Who we are
Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group (BASG) was founded by two education professionals with a shared vision: to empower institutions with the knowledge, structure, and strategy they need to thrive in today’s regulatory and academic landscape.
Dr. Juan Tapia Sánchez, PhD.
President & Founder, Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group
Dr. Juan Tapia Sánchez is a highly accomplished higher education executive with over 30 years of experience in academic leadership, institutional accreditation, and strategic educational planning. As President and Founder of Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group, Dr. Tapia leads with unparalleled expertise in academic compliance, regulatory frameworks, and institutional excellence.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Tapia has held some of the most pivotal roles in higher education leadership—including Executive Vice President, Chief Academic Officer, Provost, Academic Dean, and Dean of School. These roles have placed him at the forefront of academic operations, faculty leadership, accreditation strategy, curriculum oversight, and institutional policy reform.
Dr. Tapia holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in Criminal Law, and multiple master’s degrees in forensic psychology, Business Administration, Education, Strategic Marketing, Human Resources, and Economics & Finance. He is also a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a concentration in Global Management, demonstrating his continued commitment to scholarly advancement and global educational leadership. His exceptional academic background reflects a rare combination of legal knowledge, educational vision, and operational acumen.
He is a recognized accreditation expert, having successfully led and supported reaffirmation and initial accreditation processes with regional and national accrediting agencies such as SACSCOC, DEAC, and ACCSC. His areas of expertise include institutional effectiveness planning, faculty credential alignment, student learning outcomes assessment, academic quality assurance systems, and full-cycle self-study execution.
As a professor at the master’s and doctoral levels for more than two decades, Dr. Tapia has delivered high-level academic instruction in areas such as global business, educational leadership, strategic management, research methods, and psychology. He is known for bringing real-world relevance into graduate classrooms and inspiring academic excellence among both students and faculty.
He is also the author of 12 academic books in the fields of education, business, leadership, and compliance—further solidifying his status as a thought leader and subject matter expert.
Technical & Strategic Qualifications
- Accreditation Mastery: Comprehensive experience managing institutional and programmatic accreditation with SACSCOC, DEAC, ACCSC, and state authorizing agencies
- Academic Operations: Oversight of academic affairs across undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs, including curriculum governance and academic budgeting
- Regulatory Compliance: Deep expertise in Title IV, FERPA, ADA, IPEDS, DOE submissions, and institutional policy development
- Institutional Effectiveness: Developer of multi-level outcomes assessment systems, KPI dashboards, strategic planning tools, and quality assurance protocols
- Educational Technology: Advanced skills in LMS platforms (Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard), curriculum workflow tools (Curriculog, Watermark), and assessment software
- Faculty Development: Led hiring, credential reviews, and professional development for 100+ faculty; trainer in academic integrity, digital teaching, and assessment planning
- Legal and Ethical Frameworks: Integrates legal knowledge (J.D.) into academic operations, policy writing, and institutional risk mitigation
- Multilingual Capability: Fluent in English and Spanish, with extensive experience serving multicultural, bilingual, and international educational environments
Dr. Milagros Velasco, PhD.
Vice President & Founder, Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group
As Vice President of Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group, Dr. Milagros Velasco brings more than 30 years of academic leadership and accreditation expertise to institutions seeking to elevate their standards, align with regulatory requirements, and achieve long-term academic excellence.
Dr. Velasco holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Keiser University, along with multiple graduate and undergraduate degrees in TESOL, English, Spanish, and Russian language instruction. Her global academic training—spanning the U.S., Latin America, and Europe—gives her a unique multicultural perspective that resonates with institutions serving diverse student populations.
In her role as Vice President, Dr. Velasco oversees consulting services related to institutional and programmatic accreditation, including CEA (Commission on English Language Program Accreditation) and SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges). Her leadership ensures that each client receives tailored support grounded in regulatory knowledge, academic integrity, and results-driven strategies.
Dr. Velasco has served as a professor of academic English at top-tier institutions, including Miami Dade College, Broward College, and Florida National University. Her courses in English composition, academic writing, ESOL, and communication have helped thousands of students—particularly non-native speakers—develop the skills needed for academic and professional success.
Additionally, she is an experienced professor at the master’s level in education, having taught graduate courses in curriculum design, pedagogy, and instructional improvement at institutions such as Miami Regional University, San Ignacio University, and the Metropolitan University of Science and Technology.
She has also served in administrative roles, including General Education Dean, where she led faculty development, academic assessment, and accreditation readiness efforts.
Technical & Strategic Qualifications
- Accreditation Readiness & Compliance: Specializing in preparing institutions for accreditation and reaffirmation with CEA, SACSCOC, DEAC, ACCSC, and state agencies
- Curriculum Development & Alignment: Expert in course design, syllabus audits, curriculum mapping, and academic program review across all levels of instruction
- Faculty Credentialing & Evaluation: Extensive experience auditing faculty qualifications, aligning teaching credentials with accreditor expectations, and improving evaluation cycles
- Instructional Leadership: Over 30 years of classroom experience in academic English, ESOL, and graduate education, with high-impact results in student retention and learning outcomes
- Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): Skilled in designing measurable SLOs, aligning them with institutional goals, and closing the loop through documented academic improvement
- Educational Technology: Proficient in Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, Google Classroom, and digital grading/assessment systems used for online and hybrid learning
- Quality Assurance & Policy Development: Contributor to academic handbooks, catalog revisions, assessment rubrics, and institutional self-studies
- Professional Development & Faculty Support: Led workshops and mentorship initiatives focused on academic standards, inclusive pedagogy, and compliance best practices
- Multilingual Expertise: Fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian, providing specialized support for ESL/ESOL programs and international institutional outreach
Dr. Juana Ramírez, DBA.
Dr. Juana Ramírez is a seasoned academic leader and compliance expert with more than 30 years of distinguished experience in higher education, academic administration, and institutional quality assurance. As Director of Compliance at Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group, she leads the development, implementation, and continuous monitoring of compliance systems that align with federal regulations, accreditation standards, and internal quality frameworks.
Dr. Ramírez holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, with a research concentration on leadership and job satisfaction. Her academic career is marked by excellence in teaching at the doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate levels, mentoring students and dissertation candidates in leadership, ethics, and organizational behavior. She has served the faculties of Keiser University, Atlantis University, and other international institutions, consistently fostering academic integrity and student success.
In her compliance leadership role, Dr. Ramírez ensures institutional alignment with the standards of major accrediting bodies, including SACSCOC, DEAC, and ACCSC. She plays a key role in overseeing internal audits, reviewing academic policies, and preparing institutions for accreditation and regulatory evaluations.
Prior to her current position, Dr. Ramírez served as Director of Continuing Education at URBE University, where she led the development and compliance oversight of workforce training and noncredit academic programs. Her responsibilities included curriculum supervision, instructor management, marketing strategy, and regulatory reporting.
She also contributed to academic operations at Keiser University’s Latin Division, supporting accreditation documentation, faculty credentialing, and programmatic alignment—experience that has deepened her expertise in institutional effectiveness and academic compliance.
A licensed educator and certified trainer with a specialty in mathematics education, Dr. Ramírez brings a multicultural perspective and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, which enhances her ability to serve diverse institutions and stakeholders with cultural sensitivity and professionalism.
Core Competencies
· Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance (SACSCOC, DEAC, ACCSC)
· Policy Development & Implementation
· Academic Operations & Institutional Risk Management
· Curriculum Alignment & Faculty Credentialing
· FERPA, Title IV, and Data Privacy Compliance
· Quality Assurance & Internal Audits
· Graduate-Level Instruction & Dissertation Oversight
· Strategic Planning for Institutional Effectiveness
“Compliance is not just about meeting standards—it’s about fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement in education.”
— Dr. Juana Ramírez
Angel R. Coronel Rueda, MBA.
Angel R. Coronel Rueda brings over 25 years of leadership experience in financial management, strategic planning, and operational oversight to his role as Controller at Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group. With an exceptional track record in both corporate and academic environments, Mr. Coronel Rueda oversees the organization’s financial planning, reporting, and compliance frameworks—ensuring fiscal responsibility and supporting institutional integrity.
A results-driven executive, Angel has led financial operations for multinational corporations, including GlaxoSmithKline and Rosneft Group, as well as for educational institutions like Florida National University, where he most recently served as Campus Director. His comprehensive background spans financial forecasting, budget development, auditing, and team supervision, making him uniquely equipped to manage complex financial ecosystems while ensuring transparency and regulatory alignment.
As Controller, Angel plays a pivotal role in maintaining the fiscal health and accountability of Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group. He works closely with the executive leadership team to align budgeting processes with accreditation initiatives, streamline reporting systems, and implement cost-effective solutions that enhance institutional performance.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Management from Florida National University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Accounting from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. His multilingual fluency in Spanish, English, and Italian strengthens his ability to collaborate across diverse institutions and global partners.
Key Areas of Expertise
· Financial Planning & Analysis
· Budget Development & Oversight
· Regulatory Compliance & Audit Preparedness
· Operational Efficiency & Cost Control
· Strategic Financial Reporting
· ERP Systems (JD Edwards, SAP)
· Higher Education Administration
· Multilingual Communication (English, Spanish, Italian)
“Financial stewardship is more than balance sheets—it’s about building trust, ensuring sustainability, and supporting institutional excellence.”
— Angel R. Coronel Rueda
Stephanie Tapia, B.S.
Stephanie Tapia serves as the Director of Public Relations and Client Services at Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group, where she leads the organization’s communication strategy, client engagement efforts, and external relationship management. Known for her professionalism, warmth, and efficiency, Stephanie plays a key role in building strong, lasting connections with educational institutions and stakeholders.
Despite her youth, Stephanie’s accomplishments reflect maturity, discipline, and excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Natural Science in just two years, graduating with a perfect 4.00 GPA and earning Dean’s List honors from start to finish. Her academic journey showcases her drive and ability to excel under pressure—traits that now define her professional work in client services and public engagement.
In her current role, Stephanie is the first point of contact for many institutional partners. She oversees all public-facing communication, coordinates client relations initiatives, manages outreach efforts, and supports accreditation clients throughout every phase of their engagement with Benchmark. Her ability to communicate complex processes in a clear and approachable way has earned her the trust of clients and colleagues alike.
With a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to service excellence, Stephanie ensures that every interaction with Benchmark reflects the organization’s values of transparency, professionalism, and personalized support.
Areas of Expertise
· Public Relations & Institutional Outreach
· Client Experience & Relationship Management
· Communication Strategy & Brand Messaging
· Customer Support Operations
· Academic Services Coordination
· Multilingual Client Engagement (English & Spanish)
· Event Planning & Stakeholder Communication
· Service Excellence in Higher Education Contexts
“In public relations and client service, how we connect is as important as what we deliver. Every interaction builds our reputation.”
— Stephanie Tapia
Brian Moreno, B.S
Brian Moreno serves as the Director of Information Technology and Information Security at Benchmark Accrediting Solutions Group, where he leads the strategic direction, implementation, and protection of the organization’s digital infrastructure. His leadership ensures that all technological operations and cybersecurity protocols support the highest standards of institutional accountability and client trust.
Brian brings a unique blend of technical expertise and academic excellence to his role. A high-achieving graduate with a perfect 4.00 GPA, he consistently earned Dean’s List honors throughout his entire academic journey, demonstrating discipline, precision, and a commitment to excellence—qualities he now applies to managing complex information systems and securing digital assets for Benchmark’s educational partners.
In his role, Brian is responsible for the architecture and security of all IT systems, overseeing cloud services, access control, infrastructure performance, and data privacy compliance. He works cross-functionally with compliance teams and institutional leaders to maintain full alignment with regulations such as FERPA, SOC 2, and NIST frameworks. His forward-thinking mindset and hands-on leadership have helped transform Benchmark’s IT environment into a model of operational efficiency and digital resilience.
Respected for his integrity, adaptability, and deep understanding of modern information systems, Brian ensures that Benchmark remains at the forefront of secure, technology-driven accreditation solutions.
Areas of Expertise
· Cybersecurity & Information Governance
· Cloud Systems & Infrastructure Management
· Risk Mitigation & Business Continuity
· Data Compliance (FERPA, SOC 2, NIST)
· Multilingual Client Engagement (English & Spanish)
· Academic Systems Integration
· Technical Support & User Experience
· IT Policy Development
· Digital Strategy in Accreditation Environments
“Academic excellence taught me the value of precision. In IT and security, precision is what protects people, data, and reputations.”
— Brian Moreno
Dr. Clara Elisa Nin Tapia, Ed.D.
With over four decades of experience in the educational field, Dr. Clara Elisa Nin Tapia is an internationally recognized expert in educational technology, institutional evaluation, and higher education in distance and blended modalities.
Dr. Alicia Fernandez, PhD in Information Technology
With over 30 years of experience in the software industry and information technology sector, Dr. Alicia Fernandez is a distinguished leader in real-time systems, distributed computing, project management, and IT education.
Dr. José Wilson Gómez Cumpa, Ed.D.
Dr. José Wilson Gómez Cumpa is a distinguished Peruvian academic, researcher, and higher education leader with more than 40 years of experience in teaching, academic administration, public management, and applied social science research. He has dedicated his career to improving the quality and governance of education in Latin America through teaching, curriculum development, strategic planning, and scholarly contributions.
Osmi Rafael Curiel Mackenzie, MBA
With over 15 years of experience in higher education, admissions, and academic program development, Osmi Rafael Curiel Mackenzie is a visionary leader dedicated to making quality education accessible and innovative across Latin America and the United States. As the Founder and President of Mackenzie University, he leads the creation of doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s programs rooted in strategic design, academic excellence, and global relevance.
- Academic Program Development (Associate to Doctorate)
- Institutional Accreditation (ASIC, DEAC, ACCSC)
- Admissions Strategy & Educational Marketing
- Curriculum Mapping & Learning Outcome Alignment
- Faculty Credentialing & Operational Compliance
- Business Intelligence & Digital Transformation in Education
- Public Speaking & Conference Leadership (Bilingual: English & Spanish)
Dr. Natasha Young Buesa, PhD
Dr. Natasha Young Buesa is a distinguished higher education specialist with over 17 years of teaching experience in universities and technical institutions across Brazil and Latin America. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences, a Master’s in Emerging Technologies in Education, and multiple degrees and postgraduate certifications in Pedagogy, Business Administration, Languages, and Accounting.
- Development of academic content in Spanish, Portuguese, Accounting, and Education.
- Supervision and evaluation of graduate theses and dissertations.
- Program coordination in higher and technical education.
- Production of instructional materials for distance education (EAD).
- Multilingual teaching (Spanish, Portuguese, basic English).
- Curriculum design and implementation of active methodologies.
- Academic accreditation, institutional assessment, and educational quality assurance.
We are BASG
Your partner in school licensing, accreditation and academic excellence—across the U.S. and Latin America.
We also have Representatives in Brasil, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
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A look into who we are
Explore moments that reflect our journey, our values, and the institutions we've had the honor to support. This gallery captures the spirit behind BASG—people, purpose, and progress.
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