Pepperdine University Executive and Leadership Team

James Gash, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the overarching strategy and executive leadership for the institution. Gash guides the university's mission to provide higher education and graduate programs, ensuring alignment with its founding principles and future growth objectives. Overseeing all major university initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of academic rigor and spiritual development. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for Pepperdine University's operations across its Malibu, California headquarters and beyond. By championing innovation and academic excellence, James Gash directly influences the university's market position and its capacity to serve students effectively. Ultimately, Gash secures the long-term viability and impact of the institution.

Greg Ramirez, the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, manages the institution's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Ramirez oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and investment management, ensuring the university's financial stability to support its educational mission. Directing the finance department, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with financial regulations and optimizes resource utilization across all academic and administrative functions. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that enable Pepperdine University to expand its graduate programs and maintain its headquarters in Malibu, California. By providing sound financial oversight, Greg Ramirez directly supports the university's operational capacity and its ability to invest in future initiatives. Ultimately, Ramirez safeguards the financial integrity of the institution.

Katelyn Crowe, the Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, provides strategic counsel on financial matters and operational efficiencies. Crowe supports the CFO in analyzing financial data, developing budgetary frameworks, and evaluating investment opportunities to ensure the university's fiscal health. Assisting in financial planning, the Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer contributes to resource allocation decisions that underpin Pepperdine University's higher education and graduate programs. This advisory capacity is crucial for informing financial strategies at the Malibu, California institution. By offering expert financial insights, Katelyn Crowe directly aids in optimizing the university's financial performance and sustainability. Ultimately, Crowe enhances the effectiveness of the finance department's strategic initiatives.

Gary Hanson, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Pepperdine University, oversees the daily operations and administrative functions of the institution. Hanson directs campus services, facilities management, and operational efficiency initiatives to support the university's academic and student life programs. Managing the operational framework, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all non-academic departments function effectively to support Pepperdine University's mission. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the physical campus and operational infrastructure at the Malibu, California headquarters. By optimizing operational processes, Gary Hanson directly contributes to the university's ability to deliver high-quality higher education and graduate programs. Ultimately, Hanson ensures the seamless execution of the university's strategic objectives.

Gwendolyn Richards, the President - DFW Alumni Chapter at Pepperdine University, leads engagement efforts for alumni in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Richards organizes events and networking opportunities to foster a strong alumni community and support the university's outreach initiatives. Guiding the DFW chapter, the President - DFW Alumni Chapter serves as a vital link between alumni and Pepperdine University, promoting continued connection and support for its higher education and graduate programs. This volunteer leadership role is crucial for maintaining alumni relations across different geographic areas. By fostering community, Gwendolyn Richards directly strengthens the university's network and its ongoing impact. Ultimately, Richards cultivates lasting relationships with Pepperdine University graduates.

Aria Allen, the President, The Graziadio Christian Business Society at Pepperdine University, leads a student organization focused on integrating Christian values with business principles. Allen directs the society's activities, including speaker events and discussions, to support the personal and professional development of its members within the context of Pepperdine University's educational environment. Overseeing the society's operations, the President, The Graziadio Christian Business Society ensures alignment with the broader mission of fostering ethical leadership and academic excellence. This student leadership role is integral to the vibrant campus life at Pepperdine University. By championing the society's objectives, Aria Allen directly contributes to the student experience and the university's unique offerings. Ultimately, Allen promotes a values-based approach to business education.

Johnathan See, the Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology across the institution. See directs all IT operations, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital learning platforms, to enhance the educational experience and administrative efficiency. Overseeing the technology roadmap, the Chief Information Officer ensures that IT systems support Pepperdine University's mission of providing higher education and graduate programs. This position is vital for integrating advanced technological solutions that benefit students and faculty at the Malibu, California campus and remote learners. By driving technological innovation, Johnathan See directly contributes to the university's operational effectiveness and its competitive standing in the education sector. Ultimately, See ensures the university's technological infrastructure is robust and future-ready.

Sean Burnett, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the institution's brand strategy and external communications. Burnett oversees all marketing and communications efforts, including digital marketing, public relations, and alumni engagement, to enhance Pepperdine University's reputation and attract prospective students. Leading the marketing division, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging that reflects the university's commitment to higher education and graduate programs. This role is essential for articulating the value proposition of Pepperdine University, headquartered in Malibu, California, to diverse audiences. By developing impactful marketing campaigns, Sean Burnett directly supports student recruitment and institutional visibility. Ultimately, Burnett strengthens the university's brand presence and market reach.

Kevin Phan, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, supports the CIO in managing and advancing the institution's technology infrastructure. Phan collaborates on the implementation of IT solutions, ensuring the reliability and security of systems that support higher education and graduate programs. Working closely with the IT department, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer plays a key part in deploying new technologies and maintaining existing systems for Pepperdine University. This role is integral to the operational success of the university's technology services, based in Malibu, California. By contributing to IT strategy and execution, Kevin Phan directly enhances the technological capabilities available to students and staff. Ultimately, Phan ensures the smooth functioning of the university's digital environment.

Daniel DeWalt, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University, serves as a key advisor to the President and manages strategic projects. DeWalt coordinates initiatives across various university departments, ensuring alignment with the President's vision and Pepperdine University's strategic goals. Acting as a liaison, the Vice President & Chief of Staff facilitates communication and collaboration among leadership teams to advance the institution's higher education and graduate programs. This role is instrumental in driving key projects and ensuring efficient operations at the Malibu, California campus. By providing strategic support and operational oversight, Daniel DeWalt directly contributes to the effective governance of the university. Ultimately, DeWalt enhances the President's capacity to lead and innovate.