We create thoughtful and simple solutions using the power of technology and the brilliance of subject matter experts gathered around our table.
Leadership Team
Nakul Makkad | Chief Executive Officer
Nakul Makkad drives the vision, strategy, and growth of the company’s technology and consulting solutions, with a passion for transforming bold ideas into next-generation solutions.
Nakul is recognized for his ability to spot emerging opportunities and translate them into products and partnerships that deliver lasting impact. Nakul has led cross-functional teams, designed and launched a large array of machine learning products, including predictive models, customer engagement tools, and intelligent automation systems.
His experience advising federal agencies and architecting large-scale AI systems for high-growth organizations has influenced how he adopts and integrates transformative technologies. These solutions improved productivity, boosted opportunity conversion, and reduced churn - demonstrating his ability to take complex AI concepts from design to deployment and deliver tangible business impact.
Nakul holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, with a focus on technology, security, and international affairs.
Steven J McDowell, MBA, FAAC® | Principal Consultant
Steven McDowell directs TishEd's consultancy services, guiding institutions through complex regulatory and organizational challenges to strengthen compliance, improve operations, and advance student success. With more than 20 years of experience in financial aid administration and student enrollment program evaluation, Steve is known for creating recommendations that effectively balance student-friendly practices with institutional priorities.
Steve serves on the Publications Editorial Board of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and holds volunteer roles with organizations such as the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Connecticut Association of Professional Financial Aid Administrators (CAPFAA), the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (EASFAA), and NASFAA.
His contributions to the profession have been recognized through numerous honors, including CAPFAA’s Henry L. Miller Emerging Leader Award and P. Jerome Cunningham Distinguished Service Award, AACRAO’s Emerging Leader Award, and NASFAA’s Robert P. Huff Golden Quill Award. Steve is a former President of CAPFAA and was previously elected by his peers to NASFAA’s Board of Directors. He is one of four individuals nationwide holding certifications from both AACRAO in Strategic Enrollment Management and NASFAA as a Certified Financial Aid Administrator®.
Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bentley University and a Master of Business Administration from University of Hartford. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership for Social Justice at the University of Hartford.
Matthew Sutton | Principal Software Developer
Matthew Sutton leads the development of innovative technology solutions at TishEd that drive growth, efficiency, and compliance. With deep expertise in data science, engineering, and machine learning, he has designed and launched scalable products that deliver measurable revenue impact and cost savings. He is passionate about blending technical excellence with strategic vision to build future-ready platforms that empower high-performing teams.
Known for his ability to transform an idea into breakthrough solutions, Matthew brings a forward-thinking approach to solving problems and is instrumental in positioning organizations like ours at the forefront of innovation. His work spans everything from building high-performance data pipelines to developing predictive models and automation that streamline complex business operations.
Matthew holds a Master’s degree in Smart Cities & Urban Analytics from University College London and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The American University.