Pepperdine University Executive and Leadership Team

James Gash, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the overarching academic and administrative vision for the institution. Overseeing the university's mission to provide high-quality higher education, the President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board of Regents to ensure long-term institutional stability. James Gash drives strategic initiatives that expand graduate program reach across North American markets while maintaining the core values of the university. By aligning faculty research goals with student success metrics, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the educational experience. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and securing resources for campus development. Through consistent focus on academic rigor and community engagement, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the reputation of the institution within the competitive landscape of private higher education.

Greg Ramirez, the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Overseeing the allocation of capital for campus infrastructure and academic programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment between financial resources and the university's strategic goals. Greg Ramirez drives budget planning processes that support the expansion of graduate programs and student services. By monitoring revenue streams and endowment performance, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity required for institutional growth. This leadership role involves reporting to the Board of Regents on fiscal performance and risk management. Through rigorous financial analysis and prudent resource management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain the university's mission of providing exceptional higher education.

Katelyn Crowe, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, provides analytical support and strategic guidance on financial planning and resource allocation. Overseeing the preparation of financial reports and budget forecasts, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer assists in evaluating the economic impact of new academic programs. Katelyn Crowe drives data collection efforts that inform the financial decision-making process for the university. By analyzing market trends and internal spending patterns, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer helps optimize the use of institutional funds. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Chief Financial Officer to develop long-term fiscal strategies that support the university's growth. Through detailed financial modeling and research, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the institution remains fiscally responsible and well-positioned for future success.

Gary Hanson, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the daily operational activities and facility management of the institution. Overseeing campus services, human resources, and physical plant operations, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures a safe and productive environment for students and faculty. Gary Hanson drives initiatives to improve operational sustainability and resource efficiency across all university locations. By managing the logistical requirements of the campus, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer supports the delivery of high-quality educational programs. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite executives to implement policies that enhance the overall student experience. Through meticulous oversight of operational workflows, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer maintains the infrastructure necessary for the university to thrive.

Shea O'Reilly, the President & Founder at Pepperdine University, provides historical context and foundational leadership for the institution's ongoing development. Overseeing the preservation of the university's core values and mission, the President & Founder ensures that current initiatives remain true to the original vision. Shea O'Reilly drives engagement with alumni and donors to secure the resources necessary for long-term institutional growth. By participating in high-level strategic discussions, the President & Founder offers insights that guide the university's evolution in the higher education sector. This leadership role involves representing the university at major events and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. Through a commitment to the founding principles, the President & Founder supports the university's continued impact on students and the broader academic community.

Andrew Benton, the President at Pepperdine University, leads the university's efforts to maintain academic excellence and community engagement. Overseeing the development of institutional policies, the President ensures that the university continues to provide high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs. Andrew Benton drives initiatives that strengthen the university's reputation and expand its influence in the higher education landscape. By collaborating with faculty and administrative leaders, the President fosters an environment conducive to research and student success. This leadership role involves managing external relations and representing the university to the public and academic peers. Through a focus on leadership development and institutional growth, the President supports the university's mission to prepare students for meaningful lives and careers in a global society.

Johnathan See, the Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all academic and administrative functions. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across all campus locations. Johnathan See drives cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data while modernizing the technological framework of the university. By collaborating with academic departments, the Chief Information Officer implements digital tools that enhance research capabilities and administrative efficiency. This leadership role involves managing large-scale IT budgets and vendor partnerships to maintain a competitive edge in educational technology. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the university's commitment to innovation and accessibility in higher education.

Sean Burnett, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the brand strategy and student recruitment initiatives for the institution. Overseeing the development of integrated marketing campaigns, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all digital and traditional channels. Sean Burnett drives market research efforts to identify growth opportunities for graduate and undergraduate programs. By analyzing enrollment trends, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer optimizes outreach strategies to attract a diverse student body. This leadership role involves coordinating with admissions and academic departments to highlight the unique value proposition of the university. Through data-driven marketing tactics, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer enhances the visibility and prestige of the institution in the global education market.

Danny DeWalt, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University, manages the executive office operations and facilitates communication between the President and the broader university leadership. Overseeing the execution of strategic priorities, the Vice President & Chief of Staff ensures that administrative functions align with the institutional mission. Danny DeWalt drives cross-departmental collaboration to streamline decision-making processes and improve operational efficiency. By managing high-level projects and institutional initiatives, the Vice President & Chief of Staff supports the President in achieving long-term goals. This leadership role involves coordinating board meetings and representing the executive office in various university committees. Through effective management of internal communications and administrative workflows, the Vice President & Chief of Staff maintains organizational cohesion and supports the university's commitment to academic excellence.

Kevin Phan, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, manages the tactical implementation of information technology projects and system upgrades. Overseeing the technical support teams and network maintenance, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer ensures the reliability of digital resources for the academic community. Kevin Phan drives the adoption of new software solutions that facilitate remote learning and collaborative research. By focusing on the day-to-day performance of IT systems, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer minimizes downtime and enhances user productivity. This leadership role involves working closely with the Chief Information Officer to align technical support with the university's broader digital strategy. Through proactive system monitoring and technical problem-solving, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer maintains the robust digital environment required for modern higher education.