National University Executive and Leadership Team

Adam Epstein, the Chief Executive Officer & Director at National University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this private non-profit institution. Epstein architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the alignment of academic programs with evolving workforce demands. By collaborating with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer & Director ensures fiscal health and institutional integrity across all campuses. Adam Epstein maintains a focus on expanding digital learning capabilities to reach a broader student demographic. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to sustain high-quality educational standards. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer & Director drives the mission of providing accessible, career-focused education. Ultimately, Epstein secures the future of the university by fostering innovation in curriculum delivery and maintaining strong partnerships with industry leaders to enhance student outcomes in a competitive global market.

Michael Iniguez, the Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer at National University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Iniguez architects robust budgeting frameworks that support the expansion of academic programs and infrastructure. By overseeing financial reporting and treasury operations, the Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with non-profit standards. Michael Iniguez collaborates with other executive leaders to allocate resources effectively toward student success initiatives. This role involves mitigating financial risks while identifying new revenue streams to sustain the university's mission. Through meticulous oversight of capital investments, the Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for continuous institutional improvement. Iniguez drives financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that every dollar spent directly contributes to the quality of education provided to students across the university's various learning platforms.

Karen Whitney, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student at National University, directs the integration of administrative support and student success services. Whitney architects systems that improve the student experience from enrollment through graduation. By overseeing the administrative infrastructure, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student ensures that operational resources directly support academic achievement. Karen Whitney collaborates with faculty and staff to implement programs that enhance retention and student satisfaction. This leadership role involves managing the intersection of financial planning and student-facing services to create a seamless educational journey. Through the optimization of administrative workflows, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student drives efficiency across all student support departments. Whitney ensures that the university remains dedicated to student success by aligning administrative policies with the evolving needs of the diverse student body.

Rose Mendoza, the President at National University, provides the primary academic and institutional leadership for the university. Mendoza architects the academic vision, ensuring that all undergraduate and graduate programs meet rigorous quality standards. By overseeing the faculty and academic departments, the President fosters an environment of innovation and scholarly excellence. Rose Mendoza represents the university in external academic forums and maintains strong relationships with accrediting bodies. This leadership role involves setting the tone for the university's culture and commitment to student-centered learning. Through the development of strategic academic partnerships, the President expands the reach of the university's educational offerings. Mendoza drives the implementation of new curricula that address the needs of modern learners. Ultimately, the President ensures that the institution remains a leader in higher education by prioritizing academic integrity and the continuous improvement of the student learning experience.

Christopher Russo, the Chief of Staff at National University, manages the daily operational flow and strategic execution of the executive office. Russo coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure that institutional goals remain synchronized with the broader mission of providing flexible education. By facilitating communication between the leadership team and various academic units, the Chief of Staff optimizes organizational efficiency. Christopher Russo monitors key performance indicators to track progress on major university projects. This role requires constant engagement with internal stakeholders to resolve operational bottlenecks and streamline decision-making processes. Through the management of high-priority tasks, the Chief of Staff supports the executive team in maintaining focus on student-centric objectives. Russo ensures that administrative functions align with the university's commitment to excellence, thereby enabling the institution to adapt rapidly to changing educational landscapes and maintain a strong operational presence.

Carey Hilderbrand, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at National University, directs all brand strategy and student recruitment efforts. Hilderbrand architects comprehensive marketing campaigns that highlight the value of the university's online and on-campus programs. By analyzing market trends, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer identifies opportunities to increase enrollment across diverse student populations. Carey Hilderbrand oversees the digital presence and public relations initiatives to strengthen the institutional reputation. This leadership role involves managing large-scale outreach programs that connect prospective students with relevant academic pathways. Through data-driven decision-making, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer optimizes advertising spend to maximize return on investment. Hilderbrand ensures that the university's messaging remains consistent with the core mission of providing accessible education, ultimately driving growth and enhancing the visibility of the institution within the competitive higher education sector.