Pepperdine University Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pepperdine University has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, marketing, operations, and staff support.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Pepperdine University provides comprehensive higher education and graduate programs, shaping future leaders through its distinguished faculty and innovative curriculum.

Leadership Roles at Pepperdine University

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - James Gash
  • Chief Financial Officer - Greg Ramirez
  • Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer - Katelyn Crowe
  • Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer - Gary Hanson
  • President, The Graziadio Christian Business Society - Aria Allen
  • Chief Information Officer - Johnathan See
  • Senior Associate Chief Information Officer - Kevin Phan
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Sean Burnett
  • Vice President & Chief of Staff - Daniel DeWalt
  • James Gash - President & Chief Executive Officer

    James Gash, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the institution. Overseeing all academic and administrative functions, Gash ensures alignment with the university's mission of providing high-quality higher education and graduate programs. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across departments and maintaining the university's strong reputation within the educational landscape. By championing new initiatives and guiding institutional development, James Gash directly impacts Pepperdine University's growth and its commitment to academic excellence. Ultimately, Gash secures the university's long-term financial stability and strategic positioning in Malibu, California.
    James Gash

    Greg Ramirez - Chief Financial Officer

    Greg Ramirez, the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, manages the institution's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Overseeing all fiscal operations, Ramirez ensures sound financial planning, budgeting, and compliance, supporting the university's commitment to providing accessible graduate programs. This leadership position involves optimizing revenue streams, managing investments, and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the university. By implementing robust financial controls and driving fiscal responsibility, Greg Ramirez directly impacts Pepperdine University's ability to invest in its educational mission. Ultimately, Ramirez secures the financial foundation for academic innovation in Malibu, California.
    Greg Ramirez

    Katelyn Crowe - Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer

    Katelyn Crowe, the Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, provides strategic counsel on financial planning and resource management. Supporting the CFO in fiscal oversight, Crowe analyzes financial data, evaluates investment opportunities, and contributes to the development of budgets that sustain the university's educational offerings. This advisory role involves assessing financial risks and identifying opportunities for operational efficiency to support Pepperdine University's mission. By offering expert financial insights, Katelyn Crowe directly contributes to the sound fiscal management of the institution. Ultimately, Crowe aids in ensuring the long-term financial viability of the university in Malibu, California.

    Gary Hanson - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Gary Hanson, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the institution's operational infrastructure and administrative services. Overseeing campus operations, facilities management, and support services, Hanson ensures the efficient delivery of resources that enable the university's higher education and graduate programs. This leadership position involves optimizing resource allocation, managing vendor relationships, and implementing operational efficiencies to support academic and student life. By driving operational excellence, Gary Hanson directly contributes to the seamless functioning of Pepperdine University. Ultimately, Hanson ensures the physical and logistical framework supports the university's strategic objectives in Malibu, California.
    Gary Hanson

    Aria Allen - President, The Graziadio Christian Business Society

    Aria Allen, the President, The Graziadio Christian Business Society at Pepperdine University, leads student initiatives focused on integrating Christian values with business principles. Overseeing society activities and member engagement, Allen fosters a community that supports ethical leadership development within the university's business programs. This role involves organizing events, promoting professional networking, and guiding members in their academic and career pursuits. By championing the society's mission, Aria Allen directly contributes to the holistic development of students at Pepperdine University. Ultimately, Allen enhances the student experience and reinforces the university's values in Malibu, California.

    Johnathan See - Chief Information Officer

    Johnathan See, the Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, architects the institution's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing all IT operations, See ensures the seamless integration of technology across academic and administrative platforms, supporting the university's mission of higher education. This critical role involves managing cybersecurity, data management, and the implementation of innovative technological solutions to enhance learning and operational efficiency. By driving digital transformation, Johnathan See directly supports the faculty and students of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Ultimately, See safeguards the university's digital assets and promotes technological advancement.
    Johnathan See

    Kevin Phan - Senior Associate Chief Information Officer

    Kevin Phan, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, supports the Chief Information Officer in executing the institution's technology roadmap. Overseeing key IT projects and operational teams, Phan ensures the reliable delivery of technology services that underpin the university's higher education and graduate programs. This role focuses on enhancing system performance, managing IT support functions, and contributing to the strategic development of digital infrastructure. By driving operational excellence within the IT department, Kevin Phan directly supports the technological needs of students and faculty across Pepperdine University. Ultimately, Phan contributes to the efficient and secure functioning of the university's digital environment in Malibu, California.

    Sean Burnett - Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

    Sean Burnett, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the institution's brand strategy and external communications. Overseeing all marketing and communications efforts, Burnett enhances the university's visibility and reputation, attracting prospective students to its higher education and graduate programs. This leadership position involves developing integrated marketing campaigns, managing digital presence, and fostering strong relationships with alumni and stakeholders. By articulating the university's value proposition, Sean Burnett directly drives enrollment growth and strengthens the brand identity of Pepperdine University. Ultimately, Burnett shapes the public perception and market position of the institution in Malibu, California.

    Daniel DeWalt - Vice President & Chief of Staff

    Daniel DeWalt, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University, manages strategic initiatives and operational coordination for the President's office. Overseeing key projects and ensuring effective communication across departments, DeWalt facilitates the execution of the university's vision for higher education and graduate programs. This role involves advising leadership, streamlining administrative processes, and supporting the strategic alignment of institutional goals. By driving operational effectiveness and fostering collaboration, Daniel DeWalt directly enhances the leadership's capacity to advance Pepperdine University's mission. Ultimately, DeWalt ensures the efficient functioning of the executive leadership team in Malibu, California.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pepperdine University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pepperdine University?
    Pepperdine University is led by James Gash (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Greg Ramirez (Chief Financial Officer) and Katelyn Crowe (Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Pepperdine University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pepperdine University includes leaders such as James Gash (President & Chief Executive Officer), Greg Ramirez (Chief Financial Officer), Katelyn Crowe (Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pepperdine University have?
    Pepperdine University has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pepperdine University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pepperdine University includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer, President, The Graziadio Christian Business Society.