Pepe Carreras is a strategic, mission-driven executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. As President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, he champions the organization’s mission to inspire, develop, and empower the next generation of leaders —equipping individuals of all ages and backgrounds to lead with character, courage, and commitment to others, the core values embodied by the Medal of Honor.
Carreras brings a rare combination of operational insight and deeply rooted values. A former firefighter who served for a decade, he credits that chapter of his life with shaping the leadership principles that guide him today: courage under pressure, selfless service and integrity in action. Those formative experiences shaped his belief that great leadership is grounded in presence, humility and a commitment to serve something greater than oneself.
That ethos has remained central throughout his executive career, where he has earned a reputation for leading high-performing teams, transforming organizations and driving strategic growth with clarity and empathy. Most recently, Carreras served as president and CEO of Graduate School USA, a leading provider of adult education and training for the federal workforce. There, he led a successful organizational turnaround — introducing a new strategic vision and modernizing business operations.
He previously held senior executive roles with the National Student Clearinghouse, the College Board and the Graduate Management Admission Council, where he led global expansions, launched new educational technologies and tripled program reach among underserved student populations. Across each of these roles, Carreras has centered his work on building systems and cultures that empower people to grow, lead and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
At the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, Carreras oversees the expansion of national leadership programs — ranging from immersive experiences for students and educators to corporate training, digital learning tools and civic engagement initiatives. His goal is to ensure that people of all backgrounds and ages can access the lessons of character-driven leadership and apply them in their own lives.
A believer in lifelong learning and the power of mentorship, Carreras approaches his work with energy, curiosity and an unwavering belief in people’s ability to rise to meet their moment. He lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and draws daily inspiration from his family, his experience in service and his belief that leadership grounded in values can shape a more courageous and principled future.
