National University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

National University has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, student success administration, marketing operations, and executive coordination.

Committed to accessible education, National University empowers diverse learners through flexible academic programs and innovative digital learning environments that foster long-term professional success across the United States.

Leadership Roles at National University

  • Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer - Michael Iniguez
  • Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student - Karen Whitney
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Carey Hilderbrand
  • Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff - Christopher Russo
  • Michael Iniguez - Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Iniguez, the Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer at National University, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary oversight for the institution. Managing the complex financial health of a private non-profit university, the Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer ensures capital allocation aligns with academic expansion goals. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of revenue streams from both on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate programs. By optimizing resource distribution, Michael Iniguez directly impacts the long-term sustainability of the university. Furthermore, Iniguez coordinates with the Board to maintain fiscal transparency while supporting the broader mission of providing accessible education. Through disciplined financial management, the Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to enhance student services and infrastructure, ultimately driving the institution toward greater operational efficiency and academic excellence in the 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, oversees the integration of administrative support systems and student success initiatives. Focusing on the operational efficiency of student-facing services, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student architects frameworks that improve retention and academic outcomes. This role requires constant collaboration with academic departments to ensure administrative processes support the diverse needs of the student body. By streamlining internal workflows, Karen Whitney directly enhances the overall student experience. Whitney also manages the alignment of administrative resources with the university's strategic growth objectives. Through the implementation of data-driven success metrics, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student ensures that every administrative function contributes to the overarching goal of student achievement and institutional stability within the private non-profit sector.
    Karen Whitney

    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 initiatives across North American markets. Overseeing the promotion of undergraduate and graduate programs, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer ensures the university maintains a strong competitive position in the online and on-campus education sectors. This leadership role involves crafting targeted campaigns that highlight the value of flexible learning models. By leveraging market analytics, Carey Hilderbrand drives enrollment growth and strengthens the institutional brand identity. Hilderbrand also collaborates with academic leadership to ensure marketing messaging accurately reflects the quality of the university's curriculum. Through strategic outreach and digital engagement, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the institution, ensuring that prospective students recognize the unique benefits of the academic offerings provided by the university in a crowded educational marketplace.
    Carey Hilderbrand

    Christopher Russo - Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Russo, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff at National University, coordinates executive operations and facilitates strategic alignment across all university departments. Managing the flow of information to the leadership team, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities remain focused on the core mission of providing high-quality education. This role involves overseeing cross-functional projects that bridge the gap between administrative goals and academic delivery. By streamlining communication channels, Christopher Russo directly improves the speed and effectiveness of executive decision-making. Russo also acts as a primary liaison for the Board, ensuring that all operational activities support the long-term vision of the university. Through meticulous oversight of organizational initiatives, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff maintains the cohesion necessary for the institution to thrive while navigating the complexities of the modern higher education environment and its evolving regulatory landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National University?
    National University is led by Michael Iniguez (Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Karen Whitney (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student) and Carey Hilderbrand (Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of National University’s executive team?
    The executive team of National University includes leaders such as Michael Iniguez (Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer), Karen Whitney (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student), Carey Hilderbrand (Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National University have?
    National University has 4 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 Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President & Success Services & Administration Student, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff.