Proven edtech transformation leader will guide enterprise technology strategy aimed at improving the digital experience for students, clients, educators, and employees.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 22, 2026 — FullBloom, a leading provider of special education, instructional intervention, behavioral health, and professional development solutions, today announced the hiring of Nial McLoughlin as chief technology officer. McLoughlin will lead the company’s enterprise technology strategy, driving innovation for both clients and employees. He will report to FullBloom Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Cohen.
“Nial’s track record in modernizing learning platforms and creating secure, student‑centered digital experiences will strengthen how we serve schools – giving educators better tools and data to help students achieve sustained academic, behavioral, and emotional growth,” said Cohen. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the FullBloom team.”
McLoughlin brings more than two decades of fostering innovation across various purpose-driven organizations to the role. He previously served as senior vice president of technology and CTO at Penn Foster, a leading provider of online diploma, certificate, and degree programs offered via its high school, career school, and college, where he led a transformation and re-platforming of the company’s learning tools, systems and platforms.
Earlier in his career, McLoughlin served as CTO of Ashworth College, where he led the enhancement of its technology capabilities, creating a student-facing digital infrastructure that enabled the company to significantly increase its service levels while scaling the business. McLoughlin went on to join Penn Foster’s leadership team after the company acquired Ashworth College.
“I’m honored to join FullBloom and deliver technology solutions that make teaching and learning simpler, more intuitive, and more effective,” said McLoughlin. “Working with our internal team and school partners, we will continue building on our technology and digital strategy to meet the diverse needs of both students and educators.”
McLoughlin holds a master’s degree in computer science from Georgia State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Florida.
About FullBloom
FullBloom is the nation’s leading child development services platform providing academic, behavioral, and emotional intervention and support. We create better life outcomes for children and their families, regardless of the learning obstacles and other challenges they face. The company achieves measurable and sustained academic, behavioral, and emotional gains through evidence-based programs that include specialized education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies, intervention services, professional development, mental health programming and more. Founded in 1976, FullBloom supports more than 190,000 students and families, 1,350 school districts, and 25,000 educators annually. Come explore FullBloom and its operating divisions – Catapult Learning, Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), Little Leaves Behavioral Services, and now CharacterStrong.
Press Contact
Jennifer Leckstrom
RoseComm for FullBloom
(215) 681-0770
jleckstrom@rosecomm.com