National University Executive and Leadership Team

Karen Whitney, the Executive Vice President & Success Services Student & Chief Financial Officer at National University, manages the institution's fiscal health and student support infrastructure. Overseeing budgetary allocations and financial aid distribution, the Executive Vice President & Success Services Student & Chief Financial Officer ensures resources directly benefit student retention and academic achievement. This leadership role involves balancing operational costs with the delivery of high-quality, accessible education. By streamlining financial processes, Karen Whitney directly impacts the sustainability of scholarship programs and student services. Whitney secures the financial foundation necessary for expanding hybrid course offerings. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal policies, the Executive Vice President & Success Services Student & Chief Financial Officer maintains institutional stability. Whitney aligns financial planning with the university's mission to provide affordable, accredited degrees, ensuring that every dollar invested supports the holistic success of the diverse student population across all academic departments.

Veronica Davila, the Administrative Assistant & President, Office of at National University, manages the daily operations and scheduling requirements for the executive office. Overseeing administrative workflows and communication protocols, the Administrative Assistant & President, Office of ensures that the leadership team functions with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating complex meetings and maintaining the integrity of institutional records. By streamlining office procedures, Veronica Davila directly impacts the productivity of the university's top-level decision-makers. Davila secures the smooth execution of executive tasks, allowing the leadership team to focus on strategic growth and student success initiatives. Through the management of office resources, the Administrative Assistant & President, Office of supports the university's mission of providing flexible, accredited education. Davila maintains high standards of professional conduct, ensuring that the office remains a central hub for institutional coordination and effective communication across all departments and external stakeholders.

Carey Hilderbrand, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at National University, directs all brand positioning and student acquisition strategies. Overseeing national outreach initiatives, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer ensures alignment between institutional messaging and the needs of military and adult learners. This leadership role involves managing complex digital marketing campaigns that drive enrollment across diverse academic programs. By optimizing the marketing funnel, Carey Hilderbrand directly impacts the growth of the university's student body. Hilderbrand secures long-term institutional visibility by leveraging data-driven insights to refine recruitment efforts. Through the coordination of cross-functional teams, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer maintains a competitive edge in the higher education sector. Hilderbrand consistently evaluates market trends to adapt outreach strategies, ensuring the institution remains a top choice for nontraditional students seeking accredited degrees in business, technology, and healthcare.

Christopher Russo, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff at National University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates strategic communication across the leadership team. Overseeing internal governance and organizational alignment, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff ensures that institutional objectives remain consistent with the university's nonprofit mission. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects that bridge the gap between academic departments and administrative functions. By optimizing executive workflows, Christopher Russo directly impacts the efficiency of the university's decision-making processes. Russo secures operational cohesion by managing the flow of information to the Board and senior leadership. Through the implementation of strategic initiatives, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff drives organizational excellence. Russo maintains a focus on long-term institutional goals, ensuring that all administrative activities support the broader objective of providing accessible, high-quality education to adult learners and military personnel throughout the United States.