Pepperdine Graziadio Dean’s Report 2022 by Pepperdine University

DEAN’S REPORT

2021/2022 Rankings Tier 1

FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME MBA PROGRAMS Globally Recognized CEO Magazine

#16

#28

#36

#37

#57

#58

BEST DOCTOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Globally Recognized CEOWORLD Magazine

BEST ONLINE MBA Nationally Recognized Princeton Review

BEST ONLINE MBA FOR VETERANS Nationally Recognized US News & World Report

BEST PART-TIME MBA Nationally Recognized US News & World Report

MOST COMPETITIVE STUDENTS Nationally Recognized Princeton Review

BEST EXECUTIVE MBA Nationally Recognized US News & World Report

BEST ONLINE MBA Nationally Recognized Fortune

OF TOP 100 BEST MBA PROGRAMS Nationally Recognized Poets & Quants

dean’s farewell As we enter our 53rd year as a graduate business school, I am proud to reflect upon the various accolades and substantial growth we have achieved together over this past year. It goes without saying that the community at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School truly exemplifies Best for the World Leaders – acting with integrity and leading with purpose as each individual inspires future generations to shape business for the better.

Table of Contents

+ PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS Pepperdine Graziadio received national recognition by Fortune for #21 Best Executive Programs, U.S. News and World Report for #57 Best Part-Time MBA (climbing 16 spots from last year’s rankings), as well as being globally recognized as one of the top five DBA programs in the world by CEOWORLD Magazine.

2 FROM THE DEAN

17 STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

3 ABOUT PEPPERDINE

19 CAREERS

GRAZIADIO

5 ENROLLMENT UPDATE 7 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

21 EVENTS 23 INDUSTRY COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

9 CORPORATE PARTNERS

25 NOTABLE ALUMNI

11 INSTITUTE FOR ENTERTAINMENT,

27 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

MEDIA, AND SPORTS (IEMS)

GLOBAL PROGRAMS

FACULTY

29 BOARD MEMBERS 31 SOCIAL MEDIA

+ ACADEMIC EXPANSION We are proud that the Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports (IEMS) has successfully moved to be under the Graziadio umbrella, opening up business opportunities with renowned entertainment and media companies around the nation. + COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY Continuing our efforts toward cultivating an inclusive environment, our community is committed to sharing the stories of our diverse members from heritage month events to the addition of student-driven clubs – ultimately showcasing the values, traditions, and backgrounds that make up Graziadio. While standing as dean for nearly six truly incredible years, I am beyond grateful to have witnessed the countless transformational journeys of eager students into purpose-driven professionals as they continue their legacy within the world of business. Collaborating on a consistent basis with our faculty and staff at Pepperdine Graziadio has exponentially propelled our collective academic mission of developing world-class curriculum to meet the professional goals of our students. Although I am saddened to step-aside as dean, I look forward to returning to campus as faculty and supporting the school as a lifelong community member. Deborah Crown will be assuming the role of dean for the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School this fall and I am excited to see the impact she makes on the school and vice versa. Without further ado, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every individual who helped me uphold our mission and vision while acting as dean. Because of you all, Pepperdine Graziadio will always have a very special place in my heart. Sincerely and farewell (for now), Deryck J van Rensburg Dean (2016 – 2022)

about graziadio

BEST FOR THE WORLD LEADERS Exemplifying the traits of a purpose-driven individual, Best for the World Leaders are visionaries that possess an eye for opportunity, identifying and catalyzing unseen business opportunities. The world consistently needs business leaders who are committed to making a positive impact and act on their calling in a unique way to effect change. We help students identify their path by prioritizing the infinite dignity of the individual. With an “open table concept”, we welcome everyone of all faiths and backgrounds as we continually cultivate a community that is dedicated

Driven by our mission of developing Best for the World

to developing Best for the World Leaders.

Leaders, we strive to provide transformational, worldclass education grounded in leading-edge, experiential learning that is ethical in focus and global in orientation. Our inclusive, supportive network of purpose-driven professionals is committed to helping build sustainable businesses for a better world, impacting one student at

REIMAGINE with a global mindset

a time. Steeped in Judeo-Christian values of purpose, service, and leadership, our community chooses to propel the future of business through a values-based curriculum – seeking the opportunity for all students to discover their purpose. At Pepperdine Graziadio, we are in the business of shaping the transformational leaders

LEAD with integrity, compassion, and a pioneering mindset

of tomorrow.

MISSION

Inspired by our Christian values, we seek to: Promote transformational learning, create applied knowledge, and equip our students to become Best for the World Leaders and entrepreneurs.

VISION

Global distinction in developing Best for the World Leaders.

VALUES

TODAY, not tomorrow INTEGRITY always COURAGE with compassion PIONEERING spirit

ENGAGE in socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible business practices

FORMULATE innovative business models and strategies

OUR MISSION IS MORE THAN A MOTTO – IT’S A WAY OF LIFE. 4

2021-2022

Gender

new enrollments by the numbers

citizenship

ethnicity

diversity and inclusion The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School embraces the diverse cultures and backgrounds represented amongst our community. Engrained with the values of inclusion and belonging, we are committed to providing a culture

FACULTY AND STAFF

GRAZIADIO DIVERSITY COUNCIL (GDC) The GDC strives to foster an inclusive environment for

where every person, near or far, can feel accepted,

innovation, respect, and equal voices while celebrating the

acknowledged, and a part of a family. As we strive to

2021-2022 CO-CHAIRS

diverse backgrounds inherited school-wide. Working closely

understand the diverse perspectives of our community

with the leadership team at Graziadio, the GDC identifies

members, we are in turn creating a place of belonging, a

opportunities to showcase the community through a diverse lens

place we all can call home.

within programs, future strategies, and organizational culture.

FACULTY AND STAFF

Made up of staff and faculty members, we are proud of the GDC for highlighting what makes Graziadio unique and showcasing the many incredible cultures that form our community.

BERNICE LEDBETTER

GRAZIADIO BOARD

Dialogue Unity

GDC-INITIATED EVENTS +

GRAZIADIO BOARD 7

Mindfulness Imagination Service

Dark Girls 2 Film Screening with D. Channsin Berry, director and producer |

Neighbor Agility

Dean of Students, Director of Center for Women in Leadership, Graziadio Business School

Black History Month +

International Women’s Day MiniConference | Women’s History Month

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution Film Screening with Jacob Pacheco, disability advocate and consultant | National Disability Independence Day

YAMILEY SAINTVIL

Director of Admission, Graziadio Business School

corporate partners We are prideful of our long-standing partnerships with corporations that align with our mission’s values through their culture and operations. Through these valuable partnerships, employees receive numerous educational benefits including, discounted tuition, fast-track admission, waived application fees, and much more. In return, our corporate partners are given the unique opportunity to access a talent pool of purpose-driven individuals to join their organization post-graduation. As we continue developing Best for the World Leaders, we are thrilled to welcome our newest corporate partners to our community and further share our mission across the globe.

“From an employer standpoint, we get to realize that benefits of the learnings that our employees gain through the Pepperdine Graziadio curriculum – where they can take our real-life challenges, tackle those in the classroom and bring back solutions to help us break down barriers and solve some of the situations we are dealing with.” MARIA LANE CHRO • Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling

IEMS Finds Home at graziadio

INDUSTRY-LEADING EXPERTS IEMS inspires thought-leadership within the creative, business, and legal areas of media, entertainment, and sports through several initiatives, industry trends, and talent research. The institute creates new opportunities for the Pepperdine community to connect with peers and leaders in the field through student-executive mentoring, classroom interactions, events, and fellowship activities with student-led clubs across schools.

With excitement, we welcome the Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports (IEMS) to Pepperdine Graziadio. Through this introduction, students gain access to the expertise of top industry professionals within the media, entertainment, and sports sectors - developing a new generation of multidisciplinary graduates uniquely positioned to steward impactful, ethically-responsible leadership.

“For many years, the Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports has served as a hub in the entertainment capital of the world by connecting students, alumni, academics, and

MATTHEW KNOWLES Founder, Music World Entertainment Adjunct Professor, Graziadio Business School

MELVA BENOIT Founder & President, The Marian Dupree Group, Inc. Executive Professor, Graziadio Business School

ERICK OPEKA Chief Strategy Officer, Cinedigm Adjunct Professor, Graziadio Business School

IEMS ALUMNI MAKING WAVES OF IMPACT

industry experts. We will continue to be a pathway for students universitywide to join the next generation of business-savvy leaders and creative entrepreneurs.”

MACKENNA RADUNZ MSGB ‘21

“I reached out to Rebecca Warfield, CEO at Chicane Group and Global Head of Strategic Partnerships at Looped, after attending the IEMS webinar ‘Navigating an Uncertain Future in Content Distribution’ and secured an internship with her company the following spring! IEMS and the connections I made through it have helped me gain experiences and relationships within my dream industry.”

TAI M. BROWN MBA ‘22

“It was an honor to represent Pepperdine University at the UCLA Game Day Sports Case Competition. The collaboration between Stefani Feldman and myself from the Graziadio Business School and Matte Landau, Matthew Hand, and Taylor Jennings from the Caruso School of Law created an excellent dynamic for a winning presentation. Thank you to the IEMS for bringing us all together and sponsoring the team.”

NELSON GRANADOS, PHD Executive Director, Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports

experiencing business through a global lens

DESTINATIONS COSTA RICA FRANCE ITALY IRELAND

Over the past year, we have presented new opportunities

MIAMI

for students to gain exposure beyond the confines of the classroom to the international business market. Through our Global Business Intensive courses and exchange programs with 30+ international partner

PORTUGAL

GLOBAL BUSINESS INTENSIVES (GBI) Spring 2022

SPAIN

ORGANIZATIONS Cultural Banana Plantation • EY Costa Rica • La Iguana Golf Course (PGA) Champagne Bollinger • ESSEC Business School • Hôtel de Crillon Giusto Manetti Battiloro • Mokaflor • U-BOAT KPMG • LinkedIn • SAP Labs Campbell Soup Company • Hilton • Keller Williams Build Up Labs • ISCTE Business School • Porto Digital Campofrio Food Group • ESIC Business & Marketing • Finca Loranque Winery

universities, students acquire firsthand experience 7

COUNTRIES

while working alongside peers, faculty mentors, and

CITIES

seasoned executives. Tasked with addressing these

190

navigating challenges faced by the new world economy

unique challenges, students broaden their cross-cultural understanding and become equipt to develop meaningful, action-oriented solutions.

THEMES

Contemporary Business Wisdom from the Cradle of the Renaissance

Doing Business in Latin America

Experiential Marketing: A Brand in Action

Global Luxury Branding

Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the EU

Managing Global Business Operations in the Digital Economy

Sustainable Business

STUDENTS

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS INBOUND FROM...

OUTBOUND TO...

+ + + +

Belgium France Hong Kong Spain

Austria Germany Poland Switzerland

industry-leading faculty

PREMIER PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS Research of our faculty has been published in premier academic journals, such as Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Discoveries, Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, Human Relations, Journal of Advertising, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Operations Management,

The core of Pepperdine Graziadio’s top-tier business education is its distinguished faculty. Possessing a combination of extensive industry experience and advanced scholarship (the majority holding PhDs and DBAs), our faculty are recognized for their innovation

RESEARCH AWARDS AND HONORS +

DARREN GOOD Scholarly Impact Award, 2021 Journal of Management

CHARLA GRIFFY-BROWN Fellow Award, 2021 PICMET (Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology)

ZHIKE LEI Concluded Three-Year Guest Editorship, 2021 Academy of Management Discoveries

in instruction and research, serving as inspirational practitioners, teachers, and mentors within the Graziadio community and beyond.

CRISTINA GIBSON Area Editor Senior Editorial Leadership Team Journal of International Business Studies Associate Editor Senior Editorial Leadership Team Academy of Management Annals

CRISTEL RUSSELL Area Editor Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science (JAMS) Board Member Editorial Review Board • Journal of Consumer Research

DANA SUMPTER AND BOBBI THOMASON Board Member Editorial Board • Journal of International Business Studies

CRISTEL RUSSELL Top 5 Reviewer Awards of the Year, 2022 Academy of Marketing Science

COLE SHORT Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award, 2021 Academy of Management’s Organization and Management Theory Division

Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Harvard Business Review, and MIT Sloan Management Review.

BRIAN JACOBS Co-authored and published “Stock market reaction to global supply chain disruptions from the 2018 US government ban on ZTE” in the Journal of Operations Management

DANA SUMPTER Co-authored and published “A mindful relating framework for understanding the trajectory of work relationships” in Personnel Psychology

CLARK JOHNSON Co-authored and published “I thought my idea to use your idea was a great idea: Inadvertent plagiarism in marketing” in the Journal of Advertising

BOBBI THOMASON Co-authored and published “Risky Business: Gig Workers and the Navigation of Ideal Worker Expectations During the COVID-19 Pandemic” in the Journal of Applied Psychology

CRISTINA GIBSON AND DANA SUMPTER Co-authored and published “Riding the Wave to Recovery: Relational Energy as an HR Managerial Resource for Employees during Crisis Recovery” in Human Resource Management 16

student highlights

The diverse set of students at Pepperdine Graziadio are entrepreneurially driven individuals striving to make a positive impact, either within their current organization or through their own business venture. Our students see the possibilities in making a difference and feel compelled to build businesses that better serve the world. They join our community of changemakers to build and develop skills so they can leave their unique mark on others and this planet.

“It was an honor to work with Green Our Planet and their fantastic team towards the health and education of the next generation. It was a great practical application of being both strategic and client-facing. It encouraged me to think as a mission-driven leader.” ALEXANDRA DEVOLITES // MBA ‘22 George Award Recipient • 2022 Outstanding Online MBA Student “Pepperdine Graziadio has pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and challenged me to grow in a myriad of ways. At Nike, building relationships is fundamental to your career. It helps you understand processes, showcase and socialize your work, and create opportunities to move around within the organization.” ROUMANN PANGILINAN // MBA ‘22 Senior Process Lead at Nike “From the very beginning of my program until my final day as a student, I tried to make the most out of my experience and apply a Yes Theory mentality to it where I said yes to just about every opportunity and experience that presented itself and pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone.” CAMERON WARD // MBA ‘22 Graziadio Student Ambassador (GSA) • Graziadio Student Advisory Board (GSAB) “Being a mother, I include my son and even teach my son certain concepts, which helps me reinforce what I learned. I learned positive thinking; resilience is vital. At work and in school, I was my advocate. This is very important in your career and personal life to speak up. Know your value and ask for the resources you need!”

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS MAKING WAVES

GRAZIADIO WOMEN’S BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (GWBA) Empowering Women Leaders of Tomorrow “The community of women at Graziadio including our faculty is filled with strong, intelligent, and ambitious women who inspire me daily and I will continue to have in my life for years to come. They remind me that we’re always stronger when we stand together.”

Lauren Elsner Full-Time MBA ‘22

NET IMPACT AT GRAZIADIO Taking Positive Actions to Create a Sustainable World “Pepperdine Graziadio’s holistic focus on developing thoughtful business leaders is what drew me to this community. The SEER Certificate not only embodies my personal values but also showcases how we can utilize business to be a force for good in today’s society by positively contributing to our environment and community.”

Michael Mardirossian Full-Time MBA ‘23

LE’KIEAH WILLIAMS // MBA ‘23 Founder of Kirene & Associates • Full-Time Mother

career and professional development

WHERE OUR STUDENTS WORK

EMERGING LEADERS COLLABORATIVE Launched in 2005 to provide mentorship, leadership, and community building for students in the Full-Time MBA program, the Emerging Leaders Collaborative showcases exemplary individuals who act with integrity and lead with purpose in the Graziadio community. Currently, there are over 200 Emerging Leaders Collaborative “alumni” who actively provide ongoing mentorship and support to first-year students.

At Pepperdine Graziadio, our mission goes beyond just supporting students in their pursuit of employment but developing them into purpose-driven contributors to organizations throughout their careers. Our focus on professional development expands an array of core competencies to effectively prepare our Best for the World Leaders for rewarding careers post-graduation.

CAREER IMPACT POST-GRAD (CLASS OF 2021) $73K 76%

KAITY IWASHITA // MBA ‘23 Summer Intern, Global Member Growth Nike

Average base salary

Employment rate within three months of graduation

Top hiring companies

BANK OF AMERICA AT&T IBM 19

“As Emerging Leaders, we have the opportunity to play a significant role in the experience first year students have as they enter into business school and I want to use that opportunity to really shape the incoming class’ experience into something great.”

“Being elected as an Emerging Leader means I can play a pivotal role in developing business acumen for future MBA leaders or managers. I look forward to helping mentor the first-year MBAs to practice solution-based thinking through their journey at Pepperdine Graziadio.” DELA ATSU-SWANZY // MBA ‘23 Summer Associate, Wealth Management J.P. Morgan Private Bank

Events

KEYNOTE EVENTS

COMMENCEMENT RESUMES IN MALIBU In-person commencement ceremonies returned to the main stage for summer 2021 and spring 2022. We enjoyed seeing the smiling faces from the Graziadio

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MINI-CONFERENCE

community and look forward to hosting future graduation ceremonies at our beautiful Malibu campus.

SUMMER 2021

SPRING 2022

325

634

August 13-14

Graduates

April 23

Graduates

Student Speakers:

Student Speaker:

PHILIPPE THIBAULT // MBA ‘21 Full-Time Programs

VIVIAN DE LA TORRE // MBA ‘22

CHINTAN UPADHYAYA // MBA ‘21 Part-Time Programs SHARIFA BATTS // EMBA ‘18, DBA ‘21 Executive Programs Distinguished Alumni Speakers: BRETT M. JOHNSON // MBA ‘05 ANDY KUBITZ // MBA ‘11 CHRISTA Z. WORKMAN // BA ‘97, MBA ‘00, JD ‘01

March 8, 2022

Distinguished Alumni Speaker: THOMAS MAGNUSON // MBA ‘89

14TH ANNUAL GEORGE AWARDS April 15, 2022

2021-2022 EVENTS CALENDAR

Oct 1

IMPACT21 Conference

june 10

4th Annual DBA and Center for Applied Research (CAR) Conference on Applied Research

Oct 14

Most Fundable Companies

june 14

CAR Annual Pitch and Posters Forum

nov 4

6th Annual Future of Healthcare Symposium

june 24

Graziadio Women’s Business Association and Center for Women in Leadership Networking Event

feb 16

C200 Women in Leadership Conference

july 21

The Entertainment Evolution Symposium

May 19

EMERGE Conference 22

industry collaborative learning

SEER (Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible) BUSINESS STRATEGY The core of Pepperdine Graziadio’s mission is based on the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – we call it values-centered leadership. CSR is woven into all aspects of a Graziadio education, including the curriculum, student club activities, campus events, and

EDUCATION TO BUSINESS (PEPPERDINE E2B™)

EDUCATION TO COMMUNITY (E2C)

Since 2003, the Pepperdine E2B™ program has

In cultivating Best for the World Leaders, the Education

remained integral to Graziadio’s curricular offerings. It leverages partnerships with global powerhouses, regional brands, and startups to infuse a transformational, industry collaborative learning experiences into the curriculum of various graduate programs. The E2B program allows students to utilize concepts learned in the classroom and apply actionable solutions to current business challenges faced by organizations.

677

Client-based projects since inception Of clients are very likely or likely to

84% implement student recommendations

to Community (E2C) program pairs student teams with non-profit organizations to oversee projects focused on organizational and human capital development.

faculty research. Unique to Graziadio is our Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Business Strategy where students can learn and advance sustainable business practices based on the four macrovalues of our SEER mission – People, Planet, Profits, Product. Through SEER, we’re encouraging our students to lead with an ethical mindset and use the power of business for the greater good.

Additionally, the program offers faculty-led instruction on

SEER HIGHLIGHTS

sustainable organizational structure, talent management,

Certificate

team building, leadership development, and leading effective change.

FALL 2021 +

L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) | Allentown, NJ

Leadership Eastside | Seattle, WA

LUCY (Lifting Up Camden’s Youth) | Camden, NJ

Playa Vista Jobs | Los Angeles, CA

The Right Kind of Black Girl | Los Angeles, CA

Watts Labor Community Action Committee | Los Angeles, CA

Women’s Economic Ventures| Santa Barbara, CA Women’s Crisis Support Team (WCST) | Grants Pass, OR

82%

Of clients are interested in future projects

81%

Of participants would reccomend participation in the Pepperdine E2B™ program to a business colleague

SPRING 2022 +

50/50 Leadership | Glendale, CA

The ASCAP Foundation | New York, NY

Brea Olinda Unified School District - Department of Child

Services | Brea, CA

Destroy Duchenne | Norco, CA

The Santa Barbara Zoo | Santa Barbara, CA

The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce | Yorba Linda, CA

Nearly 150 SEER graduates within four programs (Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Master of Science in Global Business, Master of Science in Management and Leadership)

Client-based consulting project in Dr. Robert Bikel’s course helping Catalyst.cm, the social impact media site, explore options to broaden reach and audience

Curriculum +

New courses: Responsible AI taught by Dr. John Mooney | Sustainable Marketing taught by Doreen Shanahan and Clark Johnson

Sustainability-focused Global Business Intensive in Costa Rica led by Kimber Maderazzo

Course development for Executive MBA program

Accomplishments +

Pepperdine Net Impact team took 2nd place at the 2021 Baylor Ethical Case Competition, hosted talks from Planet’s Chief Impact Officer Andrew Zolli, and participated in volunteer events including a paddle board ocean cleanup and a Habitat for Humanity house building

The Honest Company Case Competition hosted at Pepperdine University

notable alumni

With a focus on integrity, compassion, and leadership, our alumni continue their legacies as Best for the World Leaders and inspire generations through their career journeys. We are honored to recognize these alumni for their notable achievements within their industries.

MARTHA MOLINA BERNADETT, MD MBA ‘01, PKE 105 Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair, The Molina Foundation

Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett is a family

Recently, she loaned her father’s medical bag

physician and member of the founding family

and stethoscope to the Smithsonian, where it

of Molina Healthcare, which for a time was the

will be on display at the Molina Family Latino

largest Hispanic-owned business in the U.S.

Gallery. Martha and her siblings funded the

Standing as the Chief Executive Officer and

gallery which will be the home of the National

Board Chair of The Molina Foundation, Martha

Museum of the American Latino until the rest

has focused on providing access to care to

of the national museum is built. Martha says

underserved or marginalized populations. She

that many people including her husband,

has enjoyed serving individuals and families

Faustino (Tino) Bernadett, and parents, the

directly as a family physician, indirectly by

late C. David and Mary Molina have been

establishing policy and overseeing systems of

influential in her success. She says former

care as a Medicaid health plan executive, and

Pepperdine Graziadio Dean Otis Baskin, and

in the nonprofit sector addressing some of the

professors Wayne Strom, Dave Hitchin, and

root problems that lead to health disparities,

Kurt Motamedi were particularly instrumental

namely access to education and healthcare.

in her growth as a leader.

Zack Hicks joined Kimberly-Clark in the newly

Connected), chairman of Toyota Connected

created role of chief digital and technology

Europe, and executive vice president and

officer after 26 years of leadership at Toyota

chief digital officer of Toyota Motor North

Motors North America and Toyota Motor

America (TMNA). At Toyota Connected North

Sales, USA. Within this role, Zack brings

America, Zack led global efforts to accelerate

his experience in technology innovation,

the consumer experience by utilizing advanced

operations, and team leadership to help

technologies and predictive intelligence. In

Kimberly-Clark leverage the full potential of

2019, Zack was named an inductee to the CIO

technology to accelerate the company’s growth

Hall of Fame, an honor CIO Magazine bestows

strategy.

to IT executives who have had a significant impact on the profession. He was also named

ZACK HICKS BSM ‘97 Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Kimberly-Clark

At Toyota, Zack was a key technology leader

one of Dallas Business Journal’s “Most

who played a significant role in shaping the

Admired CEOs of 2018” and received the

global automaker’s connected and mobility

“2018 Leadership Excellence Award” from the

transformation initiatives. He held various titles

Association for Information Systems. Zack was

and responsibilities within the organization,

also awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award

including chief executive officer and president

from Pepperdine in 2013.

of Toyota Connected North America (Toyota

distinguished alumni “It will be the small acts of courage that make your life that much richer. It will take all of our courage, together, that will make our entire world a little bit better.”

From purpose-driven students to reputable business leaders, the transformation of our distinguished alumni demonstrates their natural inclination toward personal and

ANDY KUBITZ // MBA ’11, PKE 125

professional achievement. These individuals look beyond themselves to aid in the

Director, Programming and Launch Analytics Netflix

personal growth of others – leaving a lasting impact. Our distinguished alumni are selected to speak at commencement ceremonies and annual events and act as mentors within our community.

“Life is not about counting your blessings when everything is going great – it’s about recognizing your blessings even when everything is going wrong.” BRETT JOHNSON // MBA ’05 Founder and Chief Executive Officer Benevolent Capital

“Stay open to growth and change. Find new ways to pull away from the competition. Benchmark yourselves as industry leaders not industry followers.”

“This award is proof that unlimited possibility comes when joined with purpose. When we have faith in each other and support each other, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.” THOMAS MAGNUSON // MBA ‘89 Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Magnuson Hotels

CHRISTA ZOFCIN WORKMAN // BA ’97, MBA ‘00, JD ‘01

“It is critically important to remain open-minded and curious, and your passion will evolve in so many wonderful ways. Once you have found it, lean in big – it will keep you energized and energize those around you.”

Co-President and Chief Operating Officer River Road Entertainment

STEVE TOTZKE // MBA ‘15, PKE 134 President and Chief Commercial Officer Mattel, Inc.

Board members

Established by George L. Graziadio Jr. in 1969, the

Bala Sriraghavan is the founder and CEO of Datanetiix Solutions, Inc., where he has developed extensive expertise in business intelligence, strategic advising, and early-stage investing in addition to 23 years of technology experience in services, product development, product life cycle management,

Graziadio Business School board of directors assist in the creation of strategies and initiatives to further the school’s collective vision. Board members are selected based on their eminent professional achievement, interest in community enrichment, and demonstrated ability of advancing Pepperdine Graziadio’s mission of developing Best for the World Leaders.

WELCOMING OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS Brandi Harleaux is an awardwinning CEO, notable keynote speaker, mentor and world changer, impacting people and the planet with extraordinary fortitude. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she is the CEO and secondgeneration owner of South Post

Oak Recycling Center (SPORC), Houston’s trusted metal recycling company. She is an innovative industry leader and speaker specializing in organizational transformation and sustainable success. As an entrepreneur, Brandi is passionate about the intersection of business and faith.

BRANDI HARLEAUX // MBA ’12 Chief Executive Officer South Post Oaks Recycling Center

Ike Kavas is the founder and CEO of Ephesoft, a leader in intelligent document processing focused on accelerating productivity with automation. He helps customers in 50 countries with his global team in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Ike’s entrepreneurial drive fuels IKE KAVAS Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ephesoft

him as a passionate technology innovator, AI and machine learning advocate, speaker and customer-obsessed trailblazer. His mission is to leave a legacy by helping the next generation achieve their goals through entrepreneurship and being good citizens of the world.

digital application, and enterprise management. He leverages his passion for managing global teams and innovative technologies, navigating challenges, and overseeing cross-functional projects to deliver end-to-end business management, IT, and workforce solutions to customers.

BALA SRIRAGHAVAN // EXECUTIVE MBA ‘16 Founder and Chief Executive Officer Datanetiix Solutions, Inc.

MEET OUR BOARD CINDY AYLOUSH

JOHN FIGUEROA

VINCENT MONTEPARTE

PHILLIP BARDACK

LOUIS GRAZIADIO III

QUINCY NEWELL, III

CHARLES BASSETT

RAYMOND HALL

RICHARD NEWMAN

RON BERRYMAN

PAUL HAMILTON

MORGAN RECTOR

DAVID BISHOP

BRANDI HARLEAUX

JOHN RENFRO

BERT BOECKMANN

SINAN KANATSIZ

DARRELL RILEY

MARK BOWLES

IKE KAVAS

DENISE ROBERSON

STEVAN CALVILLO

LISA KERSCHER

LARRAINE SEGIL

JOHN CANNITO

PATRICK KHOURY

DONALD SKINNER

MORGAN CHRISTEN

LARRY KOSMONT

BALA SRIRAGHAVAN

FRANK CORNELL

DARREN LEE

JOSHUA TAUB

ALMA DERRICKS

KIMBER MADERAZZO

ROBERT THOM

KEITH DORSEY

TOM MAGNUSON

PAUL WAGSTAFF

PAUL DUTMER

MARK MILLER

CARMI ZLOTNIK 30

social media

INSTAGRAM

Commencement • #WavesWednesday

165

129

OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

@GraziadioSchool

@Pepperdine.Graziadio

@GraziadioSchool

43,332 FOLLOWERS

3,727 FOLLOWERS

16,299 FOLLOWERS

5,269 FOLLOWERS

COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Wave of the Month

Ranking

MARCH MAY

APRIL