Adler University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Adler University has 5 executives leading key functions including financial management, operational strategy, institutional governance, academic leadership, and clinical training.

Committed to advancing social justice and community health, Adler University delivers purpose-driven graduate education through innovative research and practice-based learning models across global campuses.

Leadership Roles at Adler University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Melody Sousa
  • Senior VP, Strategy & Chief Operating Officer - Sean Corlett
  • Executive Board Member and Interim President - Rachel D'Silva
  • President - Raymond Crossman
  • Director, Clinical Hypnosis Training - Ian Wickramasekera
  • Melody Sousa - Chief Financial Officer

    Melody Sousa, the Chief Financial Officer at Adler University, directs all fiscal operations and long-term financial planning. Managing the university's budgetary health, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources align with academic expansion and research initiatives. This leadership role involves overseeing endowment growth, tuition revenue models, and operational expenditures across North American campuses. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Melody Sousa maintains the fiscal stability required for sustainable institutional growth. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to optimize capital allocation, supporting the mission of providing high-quality graduate education. Through precise financial forecasting and risk management, Sousa secures the economic foundation necessary for the university to thrive in a competitive higher education landscape. This oversight guarantees that every dollar invested directly advances the goal of creating a healthier, more connected world through purpose-driven academic programs and community-focused research.

    Sean Corlett - Senior VP, Strategy & Chief Operating Officer

    Sean Corlett, the Senior VP, Strategy & Chief Operating Officer at Adler University, architects the operational framework supporting global academic delivery. Overseeing administrative efficiency, the Senior VP, Strategy & Chief Operating Officer drives the integration of hybrid learning technologies and campus infrastructure. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental workflows to enhance student services and faculty support systems. By aligning institutional strategy with daily operational execution, Sean Corlett ensures the university meets its growth targets while maintaining high standards of practice-based learning. The Senior VP, Strategy & Chief Operating Officer manages complex logistics across international locations, fostering a cohesive environment for diverse student populations. Through data-driven decision-making, Corlett optimizes resource utilization and improves organizational agility. This focus on operational excellence allows the institution to scale its impact, ensuring that every administrative process contributes to the overarching mission of advancing health and well-being through graduate education.

    Rachel D'Silva - Executive Board Member and Interim President

    Rachel D'Silva, the Executive Board Member and Interim President at Adler University, guides institutional governance and strategic direction during this transitional period. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with the university's core mission, the Executive Board Member and Interim President ensures continuity in leadership and community engagement. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the Board and faculty to maintain focus on social justice and health-related research. By fostering a culture of transparency and purpose, Rachel D'Silva upholds the values of the institution while navigating complex higher education challenges. The Executive Board Member and Interim President collaborates with stakeholders to refine the long-term vision for graduate programs and community partnerships. Through decisive leadership, D'Silva stabilizes institutional operations and promotes a collaborative environment. This commitment to excellence ensures that the university continues to produce graduates capable of creating positive change in diverse communities across the globe.

    Raymond Crossman - President

    Raymond Crossman, the President at Adler University, defines the overarching vision for academic excellence and social responsibility. Overseeing the university's commitment to advancing health and well-being, the President champions research initiatives and community-based learning models. This leadership role involves representing the institution to external partners, donors, and the broader academic community to expand the university's influence. By promoting a culture of purpose-driven education, Raymond Crossman ensures that all graduate programs remain relevant to current societal needs. The President works closely with the Board and executive leadership to set strategic priorities that enhance the university's reputation for social justice and clinical training. Through consistent advocacy for student success and faculty development, Crossman drives the institution toward its goal of creating a healthier world. This leadership ensures that the university remains a leader in graduate education, consistently delivering high-impact research and training that addresses complex global health challenges.

    Ian Wickramasekera - Director, Clinical Hypnosis Training

    Ian Wickramasekera, the Director, Clinical Hypnosis Training at Adler University, leads the development and implementation of specialized clinical curricula. Overseeing the integration of evidence-based practices into graduate training, the Director, Clinical Hypnosis Training ensures students gain practical skills for addressing mental health and well-being. This leadership role involves designing advanced certificate courses and research projects that push the boundaries of clinical application. By mentoring students and faculty, Ian Wickramasekera fosters a rigorous academic environment focused on therapeutic innovation. The Director, Clinical Hypnosis Training collaborates with other departments to ensure that clinical training aligns with the university's broader mission of community engagement and health advancement. Through the application of specialized knowledge, Wickramasekera enhances the university's reputation for excellence in clinical education. This focus on high-quality training prepares graduates to make significant contributions to the field, ultimately supporting the university's goal of fostering a healthier and more connected global society.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Adler University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Adler University?
    Adler University is led by Melody Sousa (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Sean Corlett (Senior VP, Strategy & Chief Operating Officer) and Rachel D'Silva (Executive Board Member and Interim President).
    Who is part of Adler University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Adler University includes leaders such as Melody Sousa (Chief Financial Officer), Sean Corlett (Senior VP, Strategy & Chief Operating Officer), Rachel D'Silva (Executive Board Member and Interim President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Adler University have?
    Adler University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Adler University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Adler University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP, Strategy & Chief Operating Officer, Executive Board Member and Interim President, President, Director, Clinical Hypnosis Training.