Applywave Leadership
David Adler – CEO of Ustudy Global & Co-Founder of Applywave
With more than two decades of experience in the education industry, David Adler is a pioneering leader in international student mobility and enrollment. As a visionary EdTech entrepreneur, he has played a critical role in creating cutting-edge systems that support International Enrollment Management (IEM) and foster global education access. In his capacity as a Board Member of the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC), David helps shape national standards that guide U.S. institutions in recruiting international students.
At Applywave, David’s leadership and long-term vision have been instrumental in building a platform that simplifies and streamlines the global study abroad journey. By combining technology with personalized support, David has positioned Applywave as a trusted bridge between students and institutions, empowering thousands to pursue life-changing educational opportunities around the world.
Mackenzie Zak – Advisor to Applywave, Co-Founder
Mackenzie Zak, Co-Founder of Applywave, now serves in an advisory capacity, continuing to lend her deep expertise and strategic insight to the platform’s evolution. A recognized leader in international education, Mackenzie has played a foundational role in shaping Applywave’s mission to make studying abroad more transparent, accessible, and student-focused. Her early work included building relationships with institutions and recruitment partners, and crafting sustainable global enrollment strategies.
An AIRC Rising Professional Award recipient and former member of the AIRC Membership Committee, Mackenzie is known for her strong industry voice and forward-thinking perspective. In her current advisory role, she continues to influence key strategic initiatives and ensures that Applywave remains responsive to the needs of both students and institutional partners worldwide.
William Trevillien – Chief Revenue Officer of Applywave
William Trevillien brings nearly 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning international education, immigration, and investment. A global leader in EdTech innovation, he has successfully led international teams and driven consistent revenue and growth strategies for education-focused enterprises. With a Master of Science in International Business with Law, William combines data-driven precision with business acumen to scale Applywave’s operations.
As CRO, William plays a vital role in expanding Applywave’s global footprint, forging partnerships, and refining performance metrics that support student success. His leadership ensures the platform continues to deliver measurable impact—enhancing the recruitment process for institutions while helping students navigate their educational journeys with clarity and confidence.
Frank LeCates – Vice President of Strategy at Applywave
Frank LeCates brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial leadership and strategic expertise in educational technology and SaaS to Applywave. As the founder of Silverpoint, a pioneering K–12 content management platform later acquired by Finalsite, Frank has a proven track record of building scalable solutions in the education space. He has advised a range of forward-thinking companies, including SiLAS, which delivers social-emotional learning tools and is now part of CentralReach.
At Applywave, Frank leads strategic innovation with a global perspective, ensuring the platform remains future-ready and aligned with the evolving needs of international students and institutions. His background in both business and education positions him as a key architect of Applywave’s continued growth, helping solidify its role as a leader in global student recruitment.
Together, the leadership team at Applywave blends visionary thinking, operational excellence, and a deep-rooted passion for education. Their combined efforts have built a platform that not only advances the international recruitment process but also transforms the lives of students around the world by making their academic dreams a reality.