National University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

National University has 6 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, administrative operations, marketing, financial management, student success, and academic governance.

Committed to accessible higher education, National University empowers diverse learners through flexible online and on-campus programs designed to foster professional growth and academic excellence.

Leadership Roles at National University

  • Chief Executive Officer & Director - Adam Epstein
  • Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student - Karen Whitney
  • SEAS SC President - Jb Dizon
  • President - Rose Mendoza
  • Chief of Staff - Christopher Russo
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Carey Hilderbrand
  • Adam Epstein - Chief Executive Officer & Director

    Adam Epstein, the Chief Executive Officer & Director at National University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Epstein architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring alignment with the non-profit mission of providing accessible education. By collaborating with the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer & Director maintains institutional integrity and fiscal health. Adam Epstein oversees the expansion of academic programs across North American markets, ensuring that the university meets evolving workforce demands. This leadership role involves managing high-level partnerships and driving innovation in digital learning environments. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer & Director secures the future of the university. Epstein prioritizes student outcomes and operational efficiency, ensuring that every strategic decision supports the broader goal of academic accessibility. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Director drives the institution toward sustainable success in a competitive higher education landscape.

    Karen Whitney - Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student

    Karen Whitney, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student at National University, manages the financial health and administrative infrastructure of the institution. Whitney architects robust fiscal policies that support the university's non-profit mission. By overseeing student success services, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student ensures that financial resources directly enhance the learner experience. Karen Whitney monitors budgetary performance and allocates funding to critical academic and administrative departments. This leadership role involves managing complex financial reporting and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Through the optimization of administrative processes, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student improves operational efficiency across the university. Whitney collaborates with other executives to align financial planning with long-term growth strategies, ensuring that the institution remains a stable and effective provider of higher education for students nationwide.
    Karen Whitney

    Jb Dizon - SEAS SC President

    Jb Dizon, the SEAS SC President at National University, directs student engagement initiatives within the School of Engineering and Computing Sciences. Dizon architects programs that foster collaboration and professional development among the student body. By representing student interests to the administration, the SEAS SC President ensures that academic and extracurricular needs receive proper attention. Jb Dizon oversees the planning of events and workshops that bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. This leadership role involves managing student organizations and promoting a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Through active participation in university governance, the SEAS SC President influences policies that impact the student experience. Dizon facilitates communication between faculty and students, ensuring that the academic environment remains supportive and dynamic. By driving initiatives that enhance student life, the SEAS SC President contributes to the overall success and retention of learners within the engineering and computing disciplines.

    Rose Mendoza - President

    Rose Mendoza, the President at National University, directs the academic and cultural trajectory of the institution. Mendoza architects policies that uphold the university's commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education. By overseeing academic departments and faculty development, the President ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and rigorous. Rose Mendoza manages the university's relationships with external stakeholders and accrediting bodies, maintaining the institution's reputation for excellence. This leadership role involves setting the tone for the campus culture and promoting values of inclusivity and lifelong learning. Through strategic planning, the President drives initiatives that improve student outcomes and graduation rates. Mendoza collaborates with the executive team to align academic goals with the broader mission of the university. By fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and professional growth, the President ensures that the institution continues to serve the needs of diverse learners in an ever-changing global education market.

    Christopher Russo - Chief of Staff

    Christopher Russo, the Chief of Staff at National University, manages the daily operational flow of the executive office. Russo coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure that institutional goals remain on track. By facilitating communication between the leadership team and various academic units, the Chief of Staff optimizes organizational efficiency. Christopher Russo monitors the execution of strategic projects, providing the necessary support to maintain momentum across all departments. This role involves managing complex schedules and prioritizing critical business issues that require immediate executive attention. Through the implementation of streamlined administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall productivity of the university. Russo ensures that the executive team remains focused on core objectives, effectively bridging the gap between high-level strategy and daily execution. By maintaining clear lines of communication, the Chief of Staff supports the university in achieving its mission of delivering high-quality education to a diverse student population.

    Carey Hilderbrand - Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    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 reach prospective students across diverse demographics. Carey Hilderbrand oversees the digital presence and public relations initiatives, ensuring consistent messaging that reflects the institution's commitment to academic excellence. This leadership role involves managing large-scale advertising budgets and optimizing the student enrollment funnel. Through data-driven decision-making, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer increases brand awareness and strengthens the university's market position. Hilderbrand collaborates with academic leaders to align marketing efforts with program offerings, ensuring that the institution effectively communicates its unique value proposition to learners seeking flexible, high-quality education options.
    Carey Hilderbrand

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National University?
    National University is led by Adam Epstein (Chief Executive Officer & Director), along with executives such as Karen Whitney (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student) and Jb Dizon (SEAS SC President).
    Who is part of National University’s executive team?
    The executive team of National University includes leaders such as Adam Epstein (Chief Executive Officer & Director), Karen Whitney (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student), Jb Dizon (SEAS SC President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National University have?
    National University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Director, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student, SEAS SC President, President, Chief of Staff.