Pepperdine University Executive and Leadership Team

James Gash, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional mission. Overseeing the academic and administrative health of the university, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term goals regarding research support and library resource accessibility. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Regents to secure funding for future-facing library initiatives and digital infrastructure. By championing academic freedom and open access publishing, James Gash drives the university toward a modern, inclusive educational environment. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards for faculty collaboration and student success across all campuses. Through consistent advocacy for the library of the future, Gash secures the necessary resources to maintain the institution's competitive edge in higher education while fostering a culture of creativity and discovery.

Greg Ramirez, the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the university's library systems and academic support services. Overseeing budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds support the acquisition of unique collections and the maintenance of collaborative study spaces. This leadership role involves analyzing financial data to optimize the procurement of digital subscriptions and research materials. By aligning fiscal strategies with the university's mission of academic freedom, Greg Ramirez secures the financial stability required for long-term growth. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with administrative leadership to prioritize investments in infrastructure that enhance the student experience. Through rigorous financial oversight, Ramirez enables the library to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that the institution remains well-positioned to support the evolving needs of the entire learning community.

Katelyn Crowe, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, provides analytical support and strategic guidance regarding the financial sustainability of library programs. Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of digital subscriptions and research collections, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer assists in the development of long-term fiscal policies. This role involves conducting market research and financial modeling to identify opportunities for resource optimization. By providing data-driven insights, Katelyn Crowe enables the financial leadership team to make informed decisions that support the university's academic mission. The Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer facilitates communication between the finance department and library stakeholders to ensure budget alignment with institutional goals. Through careful analysis and strategic planning, Crowe helps secure the resources necessary to maintain high-quality library services, ultimately fostering an environment where students and faculty can thrive in their research and creative endeavors.

Gary Hanson, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the daily operational functions that sustain the university's library facilities and research environments. Overseeing the physical and logistical aspects of the campus, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that study spaces remain conducive to collaboration and academic inquiry. This role involves managing facility maintenance, resource distribution, and operational efficiency across all university locations. By optimizing the use of space and equipment, Gary Hanson supports the library's goal of providing a premier environment for discovery. The Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other senior leaders to implement policies that enhance service delivery and operational sustainability. Through strategic management of university assets, Hanson ensures that the library remains a functional, accessible, and inspiring space for the entire learning community to engage with academic resources.

Shea O'Reilly, the President & Founder at Pepperdine University, provides foundational leadership and vision for specialized academic programs and library-related initiatives. Overseeing the development of unique collections and research opportunities, the President & Founder ensures that the university remains at the forefront of academic innovation. This role involves cultivating partnerships and securing support for projects that expand the library's reach and impact. By championing the importance of discovery and creativity, Shea O'Reilly drives the institution toward its goal of building the library of the future. The President & Founder works with faculty and staff to integrate new resources into the curriculum, enhancing the overall educational experience. Through a commitment to academic freedom and open access, O'Reilly fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity that benefits the entire learning community and strengthens the university's position as a leader in higher education.

Hannora Race, the Inter Club Council President at Pepperdine University, leads student-driven initiatives that promote engagement with library resources and collaborative spaces. Overseeing the coordination of student organizations, the Inter Club Council President ensures that the library serves as a hub for academic and social interaction. This role involves organizing events and workshops that highlight the library's collections and research support services. By fostering a sense of community, Hannora Race drives student participation in academic activities and encourages the use of library facilities for group study and creative projects. The Inter Club Council President acts as a liaison between the student body and library administration, providing feedback to improve services and accessibility. Through active leadership, Race contributes to a vibrant campus culture where students feel empowered to explore, discover, and collaborate in an environment dedicated to academic success.

Jonathan See, the Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, architects the digital framework supporting the university's extensive library collections and research services. Managing the technological backbone of the institution, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to digital subscriptions and specialized databases for students and faculty. This role involves coordinating with academic departments to integrate advanced research tools into the daily workflow of the learning community. By optimizing network reliability and data security, Jonathan See protects the integrity of the university's intellectual assets. The Chief Information Officer drives the implementation of scalable cloud solutions that facilitate remote collaboration and discovery. Through the modernization of information systems, See supports the broader mission of providing equitable access to knowledge, ensuring that the library remains a central hub for innovation and academic excellence across all regional operations.

Brenda Peña, the Manager, Special Projects & Executive Assistant, To The & Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, coordinates high-priority initiatives that bridge administrative operations and technological advancement. Facilitating communication between the Chief Information Officer and various academic departments, the Manager, Special Projects & Executive Assistant, To The & Chief Information Officer ensures that strategic projects align with the library's mission of discovery and creativity. This role involves managing complex schedules, tracking project milestones, and preparing documentation for executive review. By streamlining workflows, Brenda Peña enables the IT leadership team to focus on critical infrastructure improvements and digital resource expansion. The Manager, Special Projects & Executive Assistant, To The & Chief Information Officer supports the efficient execution of cross-functional tasks that enhance the overall library experience. Through meticulous organization, Peña contributes to the successful delivery of services that empower students and faculty in their academic pursuits.

Kevin Phan, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, executes the technical deployment of digital library services and research infrastructure. Overseeing the implementation of specialized software and database systems, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have reliable access to essential academic tools. This role involves managing technical teams to troubleshoot system issues and improve user interfaces for digital collections. By focusing on the user experience, Kevin Phan drives the adoption of new technologies that facilitate discovery and collaboration. The Senior Associate Chief Information Officer works closely with the IT leadership to align technical projects with the university's broader goals of open access and academic freedom. Through the continuous improvement of digital platforms, Phan supports the library's mission to provide a modern, efficient, and accessible environment for all members of the learning community.

Danny DeWalt, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University, manages the strategic alignment of administrative functions with the university's core mission of academic excellence. Overseeing the executive office, the Vice President & Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the President and various departments, including the library administration. This role involves coordinating institutional priorities and ensuring that the library's needs are represented in high-level decision-making processes. By fostering collaboration across the university, Danny DeWalt drives initiatives that support research support and open access publishing. The Vice President & Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key projects to ensure they meet the university's standards for quality and impact. Through effective leadership and organizational oversight, DeWalt ensures that the institution remains focused on its commitment to providing a world-class learning environment for students, faculty, and staff.