We are a group looking to 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, CEO TishEd

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. 

Rachna Madan, Chief Product Officer

Rachna Madan | Chief Product Officer

Rachna Madan is the Chief Product Officer at TishEd, where she combines more than two decades of compliance and organizational leadership with a passion for building products that transform higher education. Drawing on 23 years of experience guiding institutions through Title IV programs, competency-based education, enrollment management, and financial aid systems, she ensures TishEd’s platforms are designed with both innovation and regulatory integrity at their core.

 Her deep expertise in federal and state regulations allows her to translate complex compliance requirements into intuitive, technology-driven solutions that make institutions more resilient, efficient, and student-focused. Having collaborated with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, OIG, VA, FTC, CFPB, DHS, and accrediting bodies, Rachna brings a unique ability to anticipate compliance needs and embed them directly into product design.

 Beyond regulatory alignment, she advises on government relations, public affairs, and institutional messaging, Rachna is an expert at helping colleges and universities strengthen trust with stakeholders while navigating change.

Rachna is a Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), holds a Change Leadership Certificate from Cornell University, and earned her Bachelors in English from Delhi University. Her leadership ensures that TishEd products not only meet the highest compliance standards but also empower institutions to grow, adapt, and deliver student-centered success.

Matthew Sutton, Director of Technology

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.