San Diego-based Bridgepoint Education recently appointed Philip Dana as its new vice president of human resources operations to drive the company’s strategic branding, technology and daily operational improvement from within the HR department.

Dana earned a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He will report to senior vice president and chief HR officer Marc Brown, who characterized the experienced personnel leader’s resources as “phenomenal” as he conveyed a welcome to the new executive.

"Phil has a rich history of serving as a talent executive in various 'Fortune Most-Admired' and 'Best Places to Work' environments, and brings immense expertise to both the role of vice president of human resources operations and the Bridgepoint and HR leadership teams," Brown said. "His phenomenal network and broad human resources skills combined with his experience working with the military and veteran community [makes] him uniquely equipped to take on this position. I am so excited to have him on the team."

Before coming aboard with Bridgepoint, Dana worked at The Honor Foundation assisting Special Operations Forces adapt to career transition. Additionally, Dana led global talent acquisition for Life Technologies, successfully slashing operating costs by over $1.2 million worldwide. He has supported hiring for former military personnel and raised more than $7 million for veterans’ organizations.

Access, exposure and social learning are Bridgepoint’s cornerstones. Bridgepoint owns two academic institutions – Ashford University in San Diego and University of the Rockies in Denver.