Lisa W. Wardell

Lisa W. Wardell also known as Lisa W. Pickrum is President and Chief Executive Officer of Adtalem Global Education, formerly the DeVry Education Group.

Ms. Wardell was appointed President and CEO in 2016 and has been a member of Adtalem’s board of directors since 2008. She is currently the only African-American female CEO in the Fortune 1000.

She was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2004 - 2016) of The RLJ Companies, a holding company founded by Robert L. Johnson that provides strategic investment and direction in and for a diverse portfolio of companies in the financial services, real estate, hospitality/restaurant, professional sports, film production, gaming and recording industries.

As Executive VP and COO, Ms. Wardell is responsible for operations, Infrastructure, and business development of The RLJ Companies portfolio, including financial operations and functions, strategic partnerships and new business development.

With significant experience in structuring and negotiating private equity deals and mergers and acquisitions, Ms. Wardell was a key member of the team that led the formation of RLJ Asset Management, a business launched in association with Deutsche Bank Asset Management (DeAM) to form RLJ Select Investments, LLC, a hedge fund of funds joint venture. Additionally, Ms. Wardell played a key role in the creation of RLJ Equity Partners, LLC, a private equity fund formed in association with The Carlyle Group

Prior to joining The RLJ Companies, Ms. Wardell was a Principal at Katalyst Venture Partners, conducting deal sourcing, negotiation and execution as well as serving as  interim management in several early stage ventures.

Previously, Ms. Wardell worked as a senior consultant for Accenture in the company's communications and technology strategic services practice.

Wardell serves on the Board of Directors for Lowe’s Home Improvement (NYSE: LOW), a Fortune 50 company, as well as THINK450, the innovation engine of the National Basketball Players Association, supporting NBA players and their development away from the game. She is also a member of The Business Council, the Executive Leadership Council, CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion and the Fortune CEO Initiative.

Ms. Wardell was named to the Black Enterprise "Top 50 Women of Power in Business" in February of 2006.

Wardell earned her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and her law degree from Stanford Law School. She earned her master’s degree in finance and entrepreneurial management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.