Pepperdine Graziadio Notable Alumni Brochure 2022

2022

notable ALUMNI

BEST FOR TH E W ORL D L E A DE RS

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

On behalf of the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, I am honored to recognize this year’s outstanding cohort of notable alumni.

Their journey as Best for World Leaders continues to shine through their professional and personal accomplishments, inspiring future generations to follow in their path. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate enough to teach some of the most passionately driven individuals who place integrity and purpose at the forefront of their goals. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to share their stories of positive impact as they make transformational change in their industries and numerous lives.

Embodying the University’s values of purpose, service, and leadership in every aspect of their professional careers, it is my great pleasure to welcome these changemakers into the Pepperdine Graziadio community as notable alumni. I am proud to be amongst valuesbased business leaders who are cultivating a better world and I look forward to furthering the Graziadio mission through their influence.

Bernice Ledbetter, EdD

Dean of Students Director of the Center for Women in Leadership Practitioner of Organization Theory and Management Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

notable alumni

table 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

of contents

Bill Allen Marissa Andrada Martha Molina Bernadett M.D. Steve Bilt Candi Castleberry Sye Kyun Chung Angela Copeland Christos Cotsakos, PhD David Danon Stanley Deal Jeffrey Dunn Tom Emrey Luis Faura, PhD David Feinberg John Figueroa Jeff Filley Kim Folsom Lauren Gibbs William Roger Hall Daphne Harvey Zack Hicks Blake Irving Erik Johnson Andy Kubitz Robert Kyncl

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Tim Langley-Hawthorne Fiona Ma Kimber Maderazzo Thomas Magnuson

Today, Not Tomorrow.

Matt Marquis Lisa McGill Steven Milovich Oscar Munoz Quincy Newell Stephen Olson Dan Redfern Donald Romano Irv Rothman Dan Sanders Jeffrey Sprecher Tiffany Stith Tom Sumner Joshua Taub Lori Torres Steve Totzke Victor Tsao Betty Uribe Paul Wagstaff Robin Washington Christa Zofcin Workman

George L. Graziadio, Jr.

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Bill Allen

Marissa Andrada

My experience propelled my entertainment industry career forward and continues to equip me today as a civic entrepreneur with valuable tools to lead others to achieve personal and organizational success.

My experience at Graziadio helped me think more strategically about business.

I learned to take a step back and see the bigger picture more effectively in my role.

Fully Employed MBA ‘83

Fully Employed MBA ‘92

After a successful career in Hollywood

At Graziadio, Bill was able to learn

As Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and People

Langehaug, Vice President of Human

with CBS Television Network and MTM

how to work in teams on complex case

Officer for Chipotle, Marissa Andrada’s

Resources at Artemis Health.

Television, one of the most prolific

studies and value the contributions

and respected television production

made by fellow classmates, whose

responsibilities go beyond traditional

The Pepperdine Graziadio Business

companies of the 1970’s, 80’s, and 90’s,

different

human resource tasks. Working directly

School

Bill Allen turned his attention to helping

different perspectives to the work,

with Chipotle’s leadership, Marissa has

strengths in developing and executing

the San Fernando Valley recover from

influencing his leadership style to this

created a foundation fostering a culture

human resource strategies. During a

the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. As

day. The LAEDC is led by a gifted team

where employees are encouraged to

study group comprised of team members

the first Chief Executive Officer of The

of officers who collectively inspire the

thrive and pursue their passions. Prior

from a variety of disciplines, there was

Valley Economic Alliance, Bill raised

entire staff and advance the mission far

to Chipotle, Marissa worked for Kate

one member who was not participating

more than five million dollars that was

more effectively than anyone could do

Spade & Company, Starbucks, and

equally. The group unanimously elected

used to launch programs to attract

on their own.

GameStop Corporation. During her time

Marissa to coach the individual to

life

experiences

brought

Marissa’s

at GameStop, the company doubled in

empower and encourage them to work

Bill enjoys traveling and photographing

business from $5 billion to $10 billion.

collectively with the team, a talent

and develop viable solutions to regional

the beauty of this planet and the people

A large part of this growth came from

that came naturally to Marissa. Her

transportation

has

who inhabit it. The photos serve as daily

served as the CEO of the LAEDC for

reminders of the extraordinary diversity

Marissa’s role in establishing a support

authentic and uniqueness is reflected in

the last 16 years and has leveraged the

that surrounds us and the opportunity

system that provides opportunities to

her love for fashion and styling. “There

power of economic development to

we each have to help others reach their

employees to grow as leaders.

is a transformative nature of fashion

advance opportunities and prosperity

full human potential and share in the

for hundreds of thousands of Angelenos

prosperity of our world.

challenges.

Bill

who have jobs today because of the direct service programs delivered by the LAEDC.

1

solidified

education and workforce development,

investment and jobs, improve local

President and Chief Executive Officer Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)

further

Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and People Officer Chipotle

that also translates to business. I own Marissa has supported and watched

my personal sense of style and help

several of her apprentices become

encourage others to do the same; bring

leaders such as Dan Spalding, Chief

your authentic self to work with pride

People Officer at Zillow and Laura

and passion.”

2

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Martha Molina Bernadett M.D.

Steve Bilt

Pepperdine Graziadio nurtured my curiosity and lifetime love of learning and helped me realize that as a leader you must remain calm and clear headed.

I became President of my company just weeks before my first class and it was the faculty and my classmates that were with me every step, shaping and supporting the critical first two years of that journey.

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘01

Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett is a family physician and member of the founding family of Molina Healthcare, which for a time was the largest Hispanic-owned business in the U.S. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of The Molina Foundation.

Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair The Molina Foundation

3

Martha has traveled many paths as her career evolved from direct patient care as a family physician in a rural town with “three stop lights and no Starbucks” to leading research, innovation, and digital transformation at a Fortune 500 health plan. Throughout her career, she has focused on providing access to care to underserved or marginalized populations. Martha says she has enjoyed serving individuals and families directly as a family physician, indirectly by establishing policy and overseeing systems of care as a Medicaid health plan executive, and in the nonprofit sector addressing some of the root problems that lead to health disparities, namely access to education and healthcare.

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘01

Recently, she loaned her father’s medical bag and stethoscope to the Smithsonian, where it will be on display at the Molina Family Latino Gallery.

Martha and her siblings funded the gallery which will be the home of the National Museum of the American Latino until the rest of the national museum is built.

Martha says that many people including her husband, Faustino (Tino) Bernadett, and parents, the late C. David and Mary Molina have been influential in her success. Her parents taught her to value hard work, education, humility, and selflessness. She says former Pepperdine Graziadio Dean Otis Baskin, and professors Wayne Strom, Dave Hitchin, and Kurt Motamedi were particularly instrumental in her growth as a leader. At Pepperdine Graziadio, Martha learned about family business transition from one generation to the next, how to focus on results and developing others, and the importance of taking a long-term strategic view that is guided by listening, observation, and data.

Steve Bilt is the Chief Executive Officer

established

at Smile Brands Inc., which has been

serving six countries in South America,

recognized as a Best Place to Work

Asia, and Africa as well as throughout

by Glassdoor for three straight years

the U.S. He is a member of the Kaufman

(#1 in multi-site healthcare) and by

Foundation/EY

Comparably as a top-10 US Large

of Fame and was recognized by the

Company

Wharton School as the top CEO in the

in

multiple

categories

including Culture, Diversity, and Best

international

outposts

Entrepreneur

Hall

U.S. for Social Impact.

Places for Women. Steve co-founded

Chief Executive Officer Smile Brands Inc.

Smile Brands and subsequently led

The Pepperdine Graziadio Presidents

the acquisitions of Monarch Dental

and Key Executives (PKE) MBA program

Corporation [NASDAQ: MDDS], Castle

challenged Steve to dig deep within

Dental Centers Inc. [NASDAQ: CASL],

himself before learning to become a

and Midwest Dental. He has also

successful leader. During the course

overseen the development of over 200

work, he learned the importance of

de novo practices and over 50 add-

shared mental models and applied the

on acquisitions. Today, Smile Brands

ideology to his operations and business.

has 8,000 employees and affiliated

Steve has been honored with the

providers in 700 locations across the

school’s highest recognition as the 50th

United States.

Anniversary George Award Honoree for “Good for the World Leadership”.

Steve serves as chairman of the Smiles for Everyone Foundation, which has

4

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Candi Castleberry

Sye Kyun Chung

Pepperdine University sits high above the ocean spreading knowledge to the world. I am grateful for the knowledge I gained; I lean on my learnings often.

Studying and trying harder than anyone else under the bright sunlight of the beautiful Malibu campus resembles the world ‘passion,’ which is an experience I can never forget.

Executive MBA ‘06

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘90

As Vice President of Diversity, Equity

While attending Pepperdine Graziadio,

Sye Kyun Chung began his political

the “ ‘Baekbong’ Gentleman Award,”

and

Candi

Candi and her cohort traveled to Asia

career in 1995 as a special advisor to

which is given to exemplary politicians

Castleberry is focused on building trust

Inclusion

at

Amazon,

where they were introduced to the work

former President Dae Jung Kim, an

14 times since it was founded in 1999.

by advancing inclusivity in the industry

culture and impact of government on

icon of South Korea’s democratization.

and within diverse communities through

businesses such as healthcare, law

During the 15th Presidential Election,

Sye

partnerships with NGOs, academia,

firms, and manufacturing companies,

Sye Kyun contributed in establishing

practice politics with dignity. He builds

and

visionary,

as they conducted business locally

the first peaceful regime change in the

relationships upon trust, which he

change-agent, she is the founder of

and globally. Candi recounts this as a

history of South Korea as Chairman

attributes to his successful political

the award-winning Dignity & Respect

highlight of her EMBA experience.

of

Association

career. The language barrier and full-

corporations.

A

Campaign, helping organizations create environments of dignity and respect.

Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Amazon

the

National

Youth

Kyun

continues

to

proudly

under President Dae Jung Kim. As the

time position made pursuing an advanced

Candi has delivered inspiring keynote

speaker of the first half of the 20th

degree

at

Pepperdine

Graziadio

and lectures around the world, one

National Assembly, the impeachment of

evermore challenging but pushed him

Candi’s business acumen enhances

being in Washington, D.C. immediately

President Park was a significant issue.

to work twice as hard to make sure all

her

following

Barack

In the absence of the administration

the reading and assignments were done

senior executives, business process

Obama and immediately before Senator

and overcoming the national crisis, Sye

correctly. Luckily, Sye Kyun’s cohort

owners,

and

Hillary Clinton. By far, one of her most

Kyun showed leadership as the head

and family provided a great support

to

sustainable

of the Assembly and helped the new

system throughout the program and

administration settle in. Recognized for

empowered him to earn his degree.

the

approach

build

workplace,

of

partnering

community

with

leaders

former

Senator

practices

for

treasured life experiences was spending

marketplace,

and

a weekend at the home of the late Dr.

community. A recognized leader, she

Maya Angelou learning about her and

has been awarded as one of the 100

the stories of her life.

Former Prime Minister National Assembly in Korea

his accomplishments, he has received

Most Influential Women in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine.

5

6

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Angela Copeland

Christos M. Cotsakos, PhD

The Pepperdine Graziadio experience rounded out my education and provided the foundation and the tools that I needed in order to be successful in my career.

At the zero moment of truth in my career, the faculty, administrators, and classmates ignited my passion for invention and entrepreneurialism, which changed the trajectory of my personal and professional life.

Fully Employed MBA ‘05

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘83

With over twenty years of success

an organization she led for seven years.

As founder, chairman, and CEO of

MBA program as a simulation-based

spanning across multiple industries,

Angela says the Pepperdine Graziadio

Pennington Ventures, a technology,

competitive learning module where he

Angela’s strength is in building diverse,

MBA

high

Leveraging

make the career leap from computer

digital media and strategic management

was able to learn invaluable business

demand

and systems engineering to executive

company, Christos Cotsakos disrupted

tools to resolve complex commercial

generation, Angela helps businesses

leadership. Angela selected the program

and

problems.

with recurring revenue subscription

because it offered an MBA with a focus

models to scale.

on

performing

extensive

teams.

experience

in

program

empowered

entrepreneurial

her

to

management,

business ethics.

traditional

program

connects

E*TRADE on NASDAQ. Through his

consequences.

multinational corporations, start-ups,

Christos holds a PhD in Economics

venture capital, board memberships,

from the University of London, where

She enjoys giving back to her community

and advisory services, Christos has

he

generation, public relations, brand and

and

product marketing for the company’s

profit boards, including the American

helped

full product offering, including a SaaS-

Marketing

based artificial intelligence software

American Diabetes Association. Angela

technology.

is a keynote speaker and a syndicated

has

served

on

Association

several and

nonthe

companies

raise

received

the

prestigious

Psion

significant

award for his dissertation on corporate

equity and debt financing in both the

governance. He also received an MBA

private and public markets.

(summa cum laude) from Pepperdine University and a BA (cum laude) in

newspaper columnist on leadership Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Pennington Ventures, LLC

Christos currently sits on multiple

Communications from William Paterson

boards where he advises management

University, one of the nine state colleges

on technology and digital media. He

and universities in New Jersey. In 2001,

Throughout her career, Angela held

and career-related topics. She hosts

leadership positions at First Horizon

the Copeland Coaching Podcast, gave a

National Bank, ServiceMaster Global

TEDx Talk titled, “How I broke the rules

is also a senior advisor to various

William Paterson named its business

Holdings, NEA Member Benefits, and

& found my perfect job”, and is the

private equity firms and continues to

school the Cotsakos College of Business

FedEx. She also founded multiple

author of the book, Breaking The Rules

be a founding member of multiple

in honor of Christos where he is also a

businesses,

& Getting The Job.

technology startups.

visiting professor and distinguished

including

consulting

practice Copeland Marketing Services,

entrepreneur in residence. He is a Christos

describes

the

Pepperdine

Graziadio Presidents and Key Executives

7

The

causality with reality and its unintended

enablement engine that drives lead

at Recruiter.com. Her team is the sales

Senior Vice President of Marketing Recruiter.com

the

extensive international experience in

underscored with a foundation of Angela leads the marketing organization

transformed

brokerage industry with the listing of

decorated combat veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Infantry.

8

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

David Danon

Stanley Deal

My Graziadio experience unleashed my inner entrepreneurial passion and inspired me to gain the skills and knowledge that I utilize today.

Graziadio afforded me the chance to transform from an engineer to a business leader. I’m grateful for the education I received and the professors and classmates who impacted my life.

Bachelor of Science in Management ‘95

Fully Employed MBA ‘93

With more than three decades of

that highly satisfied and engaged team

Stan Deal is responsible for delivering

Stan

experience in the U.S. theme park

members create the most memorable

a family of super-efficient airplanes to

for personal growth, developing a

industry, Dave Danon started as a front-

and enjoyable guest experiences which

worldwide customers and leading the

deeper understanding of the world,

line team member at Universal Studios

ultimately drives consumer loyalty and

Hollywood and worked full-time at

business performance.

growth of the company’s commercial

and

airplane programs. Before returning

of making an impact that matters.

to Commercial Airplanes, he oversaw

He remembers that each day was an

the formal standup of Boeing Global

opportunity to learn from professors,

Services, a new aerospace services

collaborate with peers, and pursue new

development and delivery model for

challenges. These interactions played a

commercial and government customers

huge role in preparing him for his future

worldwide. He led the transition into the

leadership roles.

the park while attending Pepperdine his

first

the

a

time

importance

the Senior Vice President and Chief

semester and meeting new professors

Operating Officer for Universal Studios

who brought a real-world perspective to

Japan,

operations

the planned instruction. “My accounting

including attractions, technical services

professor, for example, would enter

and engineering, food & beverage,

the night class after a long day at work

merchandising, janitorial, show quality,

and dive into his everyday challenges,

environmental health and safety, and

seamlessly intertwining lesson material

with more than 300 Boeing locations

Stan enjoys sport fishing and cooking,

security.

into his stories. Not only did these

worldwide.

which help him relax and focus on

fully operational business that it is today

enjoying time with his family and friends.

classes allow me to better comprehend Dave Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Universal Studios Japan

understanding

was

Dave

park

remembers

Graziadio

Graziadio. Dave currently serves as

overseeing

fondly

says

Graziadio

the practical value of my education, but

education along with his many years

believes

that

his

it also bestowed upon me the impact

of experience in the industry prepared

of storytelling as a management tool to

him well for his international expat

drive engagement and understanding.”

assignment in Osaka, Japan. Dave is passionate about his team members and

During his downtime, Dave enjoys

is constantly looking for new ways to

working on projects around the house,

engage, recognize, and motivate them in

mountain biking, cooking, and spending

a cultural setting that is very unique and

time with his family.

Stan serves on the board of directors Executive Vice President The Boeing Company

for the Smithsonian’s National Air and

President and Chief Executive Officer Boeing Commercial Airplanes

to commemorate the past and educate

Space Museum, supporting its mission and inspire an appreciation for the importance of flight to humanity.

often quite challenging. He truly believes

9

10

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Jeffrey Dunn

Tom Emrey

My Graziado experience was critical in developing me as a business leader by both the wonderful education and, more importantly, teaching me how to be a better leader.

Graziadio gave me the chance to build my academic resume while continuing a demanding career. That was critical to me.

Fully Employed MBA ‘84

Fully Employed MBA ‘98

With over 30 years of experience in food

lead the way in creating a new plant-

With over two decades of experience

teams

& agriculture, Jeff Dunn has held senior

based food ecosystem.

as an executive leader for prominent

throughout his career, including large

businesses, Tom Emrey started with

IT projects as well as large integration

Munchkin Inc. in March 2017 as Chief

projects. Graziadio was unique and Tom

Operating Officer and Chief Financial

valued the focus on the students and

Officer of the industry-leading infant and

people. His experience at Graziadio challenged him and taught him how to

leadership positions with Bolthouse

in

a

variety

of

industries

Farms, Campbell Soup Company, and

During his first year at the Pepperdine

The Coca-Cola Company, among other

Graziadio

top food and beverage organizations

management

and startups. Jeff is now CEO of

entire class how to manage the stress of

Bolthouse Farms, an innovation leader

working and attending an MBA program

toddler consumer products company.

in growing and distributing carrots. In

through practicing meditation. This

With seven global offices, Munchkin

be part of a team, which has been very

addition, Bolthouse Farms produces

lesson was life changing and something

Inc.

worldwide.

beneficial to his career. A lifelong sailor,

and

juices,

he still practices today. As Jeff’s career

smoothies, protein shakes, plant protein

continued to develop and advance, he

Previously, Tom served as CFO at

Tom enjoys being on the water and

milk, café beverages, and premium

worked with CEOs from both public

DineEquity, Inc. and was Executive Vice

testing his skills.

refrigerated yogurt dressings under the

and private companies and was able to

Bolthouse Farms® brand name.

share lessons learned as well as play a

sells

super-premium

Business

School,

professor

taught

Jeff’s the

customers

President and COO of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal. Tom has led diverse

small role in helping these individuals In 2012, Jeff led Bolthouse Farms

serves

grow into incredible leaders.

through its private equity backed buyout Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bolthouse Farms

and sale to Campbell Soup Company

The food industry and culture has been

for $1.55 billion. Most recently, Jeff

Jeff’s leading passion, professionally

spearheaded the successful repurchase

and personally. As a self-classified

of Bolthouse Farms from Campbell

amateur chef, Jeff enjoys the process of

Soup Company by Jeff’s investment

growing and preparing fresh delicious

group and his partners, Butterfly Equity

food for his family and friends.

Chief Operating Officer Munchkin, Inc.

Partners, with the overarching goal to

11

12

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Luis Faura, PhD

David Feinberg

The coursework and lessons that were part of the Graziadio MBA program renewed my commitment to be a lifelong learner.

I learned to be present.

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘04

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘02

As President of Gluten Free Foods, Mfg.

program for bringing out the leader

Having spent his entire career focused

Driven

LLC (GFF), a major manufacturer of

in him and teaching him how to be an

on patients, families, and communities,

integrity,

gluten free pasta, Luis Faura oversees the

effective leader.

Dr. David Feinberg, president and CEO

to make technology work better for

operations, new business development,

passion,

David

has

humility an

and

obligation

of Cerner, is the first physician to lead

caregivers so they can take better care

finances,

Luis was formerly a director of the

a major electronic health record (EHR)

of patients. Over the last four decades,

personnel, product innovation, and

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

company.

Cerner

marketing, along with managing policies

in the Los Angeles Branch. He also

and procedures. Under Luis’ leadership,

serves as Chairman of the board of

Beginning as a child psychiatrist, David

recorded and delivered. Now, David

GFF has expanded its market presence,

trustees at the University of La Verne

rose through the ranks to serve as UCLA

believes Cerner can fulfill the promise

diversified product lines, and created

and is a board member for Armstrong/

Health’s president and CEO where

of healthcare technology by making

innovative items that have accelerated

Pikes Nurseries.

he focused on patient satisfaction,

EHRs more open, more connected.

acquisitions,

procurement,

has

digitized

the

medical

record and evolved how healthcare is

the company’s growth.

increasing scores from the 28th to the

This allows caregivers to see relevant

An avid cyclist, Luis has cycled the same

99th percentile. As President and CEO

details of a patient’s journey and makes

While at Graziadio, Luis built lifelong

routes as the Tour De France and Giro

of Geisinger Health, David saw what

healthcare more affordable, accessible,

connections with his cohort and learned

d’Italia.

happens when you love your community

dignified, and fair.

the essence of building a dynamic President Gluten Free Foods, Mfg. LLC

by

team. He attributes the Graziadio MBA

and care for its people – you can use President and Chief Executive Officer Cerner

data to drive real, lasting change. Under

Attending Pepperdine Graziadio allowed

David’s leadership, Google Health was

David to surround himself with a cohort

at the forefront of using AI and mobile

that taught him valuable lessons which

platforms to improve healthcare. He

continue decades later.

leveraged technology, talent and search capabilities to tackle healthcare’s most important challenges.

13

14

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

John Figueroa

Jeff Filley

Earning my MBA from the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School was the difference maker in my career.

The learning and experience gained through the Pepperdine MBA program helped change the trajectory of my career.

Fully Employed MBA ‘97

Fully Employed MBA ‘95

A frequent guest lecturer at the Wharton

transformed behavior health pharmacy

Jeff Filley is President of Behr Paint

paint company in Southern California.

School

Stanford

on a national level. Genoa was later

Graduate School of Business, John

sold to United Healthcare Group. John

Company and is responsible for the

He says shortly after he joined, business

Figueroa

exceptional

also served dual roles of Chairman and

overall direction and leadership of the

started to really take off and he realized

student experience in the classroom

CEO of Apria Healthcare Group Inc.,

company. He has been with Behr for

that he needed to enhance his skills to

using his vast career experience and

as well as that of Coram LLC, which

37 years, having joined Behr in 1985

help grow and build the company. He

Pepperdine Graziadio fundamentals for

was sold to CVS Caremark. He also

as Corporate Controller. Jeff was

credits his time at Pepperdine Graziadio

business excellence as the cornerstones

served as CEO and Board Member

promoted to Chief Financial Officer in

with providing the business acumen and

of his teachings.

of Omnicare, and prior to that, was

1991, Executive Vice President in 1997,

strategic leadership skills he needed to

President of McKesson Corporation’s

and President in 2002.

lead Behr into the future.

Under Jeff’s leadership, Behr’s sales

Jeff is a board member for the

have more than tripled and the company

American Coatings Association (ACA)

has introduced an array of industry-

and an Executive Council Member

leading product innovations such as

for City of Hope, an independent

BEHR®

advanced

biochemical research and treatment

stain repellency and scuff resistance,

center for cancer, diabetes, and other

and BEHR® Copper Force™, an EPA-

life-threatening diseases. He holds a

registered virucidal and antibacterial

bachelor’s degree in Economics from

paint.

UCLA and a master’s degree in Business

of

Business provides

and an

John is currently the Chief Executive

U.S. Pharmaceutical Group. He spent

Officer and Chairman of CarepathRx, a

the initial years of his career with Baxter

company providing innovative pharmacy

Healthcare.

solutions to Hospital Health Systems

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman CarepathRX

centered on end-to-end service for all

As an officer in the U.S. Army, John

pharmacy needs including Specialty,

served as a Ranger and with Special

Infusion, and continuous home solutions

Forces developing the basis of his

for

Previously,

leadership skills. At Graziadio, he was

John was CEO and board member

all

able to improve and fine-tune these

of Genoa Healthcare, the nation’s

skills as well as his financial discipline

leading behavioral health pharmacy,

and unwavering concept of ethics and

telepsychiatry,

and

medication

integrity for the business world. Today,

management

company.

During

he is still actively involved as a member

tenure

prescriptions.

at

Genoa,

he

his

successfully

tripled the size of the business that

15

of the Graziadio Board.

President Behr Paint Company

Dynasty®

with

Administration When Jeff joined Behr Paint Company,

from

Pepperdine

Graziadio.

it was a small, family-owned, regional

16

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Kim Folsom

Lauren Gibbs

Pepperdine provided an important step on the path for me to launch my entrepreneurial journey.

It was such a warm and welcoming environment. The coursework was challenging, interesting, and having an eclectic mix of industries in my cohort made class discussions something to look forward to.

Fully Employed MBA ‘02

Executive MBA ‘14

Kim Folsom founded Founders First Capital Partners in San Diego in 2015 to provide a virtual small business growth accelerator and revenue-based venture fund focused on helping underserved, small businesses achieve exponential growth. Driven to help microbusinesses succeed, Kim also founded LIFT Development Enterprises, Inc., a not-for-profit community development organization, to help underserved and underrepresented small business owners overcome the challenges they face due to lack of access to capital.

Both organizations represent a new, innovative breed of programs that address the gap in funding companies led by diverse founders.

Chief Executive Officer and Founder Founders First Capital Partners, Inc.

17

Prior to launching LIFT and Founders First, Kim was a high-tech executive and serial entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience growing innovative technology companies.

She has experience founding, leading, and building startups for which she has raised $30 million in institutional venture financing. Kim has leveraged

her unique entrepreneurial experience to launch six companies, successfully exited three, and launched her seventh firm with a revenue-based venture fund of $100 million in committed capital.

As

Prior to Pepperdine Graziadio, Kim spent eight years trying to find a way to launch her own venture-backed tech entrepreneurial journey as an underrepresented founder.

While enrolled in the MBA program, her cohort helped her discover her unique path to entrepreneurship.

The interaction with her classmates, rigorous class assignments, and discussion with professors aided her to develop the confidence and strategy to launch her first start-up tech company, SeminarSource.com.

Kim successfully carries out the mission of Founders First by leveraging her years of entrepreneurial experience to help hundreds of other underrepresented founders get funding for growing their companies.

an

Gibbs

Olympic embodies

athlete,

Lauren and

manager when she started at the

determination. She won a silver medal

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School,

in the women’s bobsled competition

but she was nervous about starting the

in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games

program. She was relieved to find out

in PyeongChang only four years after

that many of her classmates felt the

she started bobsledding. Lauren made

same way; those worries quickly faded

the national team in her first year of

as she and the cohort bonded and

bobsledding and has since received

developed

numerous

with each other and the faculty.

awards

perseverance

Lauren was already an experienced

and

accolades.

long-lasting

relationships

Lauren’s drive and ability to excel shines through in all that she does, including

In addition to the honor of representing

her time at Pepperdine Graziadio.

her country in the Olympics at age 33, Lauren says another career highlight was

Silver Medalist Olympian

Lauren says that one of the highlights

giving a TEDx Talk where she shared

while earning her Executive MBA was

her journey from working in corporate

getting to know her classmates. “We all

America

came to the program with different life

athlete. She inspired her audience with

experiences and goals, but one that we

the message that “it is never too late to

all had in common was excitement for

be who you are meant to be”.

to

becoming

an

Olympic

learning.”

18

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

William Roger Hall

Daphne Harvey

Leadership is measured over decades, not months or years; take care of your health or you will not be able to accomplish the long-term goals.

As an experienced executive, the EMBA program provided an excellent opportunity for me to refresh my skills and test my current operating practices against the latest business theories and frameworks.

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘14

As

Executive MBA ‘98

a

skilled

engineer

and

an

facility in Ontario, California. Fifteen

As Senior Vice President of Global

The inclusive approach earned Daphne

professional

with

20

years later, he has assisted in building

Sourcing

at

and her team the trust of their business

years of manufacturing management

the largest bottled water company in

NBCUniversal, Daphne Harvey oversees

partners, which was a key factor in

experience, William (Bill) Roger Hall has

North America that makes most of

strategy development, negotiations, and

generating over $100 million in annual

a unique ability to focus on problems

the private labeled water bottles for

contracting, with annual team spending

cost

savings.

large U.S. retailers such as Costco,

of over $12 billion. She has built global

the

Edge

Throughout the years, Bill developed

Walmart, Coke, Pepsi, and Kroger. Bill

sourcing and procurement organizations

NBCUniversal, which teaches diverse

a narrow viewpoint when analyzing

has enabled growth rates in excess of

for two entertainment industry giants

suppliers to develop skills to compete

problems. The Pepperdine Graziadio

25% year-over-year and leads 5,000+

and

practices

with larger businesses for lucrative

Presidents and Key Executives MBA

employees across 50 global factories.

and procedures that have resulted in

contracts. In addition, NBCUniversal

program guided Bill to raise his eyes,

Bill’s leadership creates a competitive,

process efficiency, cost savings, and

maintains $4 billion in annual spending

think outside of the box, and look at

fast-paced environment for Niagara’s

tighter financial controls across the

with diverse businesses.

problems through a wider lens.

Manufacturing operations.

operational

and

Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering Niagara Bottling

devise

resourceful

solutions.

After putting himself through college,

Always a true manufacturing engineer,

Bill began his career in packaging as

Bill convinced his wife to honeymoon in

a plant engineer for Reid Plastics, Inc.

Tennessee so he could take a plant tour

In 2004, Bill joined Niagara Bottling

of the Jack Daniels distillery.

as a Plant Manager for their single

and

Procurement

institutionalized

best

Daphne

Accelerator

championed Program

at

business. A major takeaway from the

Senior Vice President – Global Sourcing and Procurement NBC Universal

Pepperdine Graziadio experience was

Daphne is proud to be part of three

an appreciation of elevated results

generations of higher education in

through effective teamwork. Daphne

her family – all from Pepperdine. Her

has implemented a “cross-functional

aunt Edna Wilson earned her PhD in

team-based sourcing strategy” which

Education, Daphne Harvey completed

includes attacking projects with a team

the EMBA program and her daughter

of business experts from relevant

recently graduated cum laude from the

disciplines, and leading those teams

Pepperdine MBA program in May of

through systematic processes to reveal

2019.

value improvement opportunities.

19

20

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Zack Hicks

Blake Irving

I appreciate how Pepperdine Graziadio has maintained a relationship with me over the years. I’m pleased to say I’m still in touch with professors like Dr. John Mooney and others today.

I credit the Graziadio School for radically altering the trajectory of my career.

I wouldn’t have held senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Yahoo, or GoDaddy without the skills and confidence I gained.

Bachelor of Science in Management ‘97

Zack Hicks joined Kimberly-Clark in the newly created role of Chief Digital and Technology Officer after 26 years of leadership at Toyota Motors North America and Toyota Motor Sales, USA. In this new role Zack brings his experience in technology innovation, operations, and team leadership to help Kimberly-Clark leverage the full potential of technology to accelerate the company’s growth strategy.

Chief Digital and Technology Officer Kimberly-Clark

At Toyota Zack was a key technology leader who played a significant role in shaping the global automaker’s connected and mobility transformation initiatives. He held various titles and responsibilities within the organization, including Chief Executive Officer and President of Toyota Connected North America (Toyota Connected), Chairman of Toyota Connected Europe, and Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

At Toyota Connected North America, Zack led global efforts to accelerate the consumer experience by utilizing

21

Fully Employed MBA ‘88

advanced technologies and predictive intelligence. At Toyota Connected Europe, he oversaw the London-based startup’s efforts to grow adoption of new mobility businesses in Europe with products and services tailored to the unique needs of the market.

At TMNA, Zack re-envisioned the company’s communication through a global telematics ecosystem, deployed mobile devices and mobile reporting capabilities, and facilitated the implementation of cloud-based collaboration tools for Toyota employees.

In 2019, Zack was named an inductee to the CIO Hall of Fame, an honor CIO Magazine bestows to IT executives who have had a significant impact on the profession. He was also named one of Dallas Business Journal’s “Most Admired CEOs of 2018” and received the “2018 Leadership Excellence Award” from the Association for Information Systems. Zack was also awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Pepperdine in 2013.

From 2013 to 2018, Blake Irving served

the board of directors for DocuSign,

as CEO of GoDaddy, reshaping the

ZipRecruiter, Flowhub, and Autodesk,

domain-name company into a global

as well as an advisor to McLaren Racing.

cloud platform for small business.

Board Director Autodesk, Inc. Docusign Flowhub ZipRecruiter Advisor McLaren Racing

Under his leadership, GoDaddy doubled

Blake recalls his first day in the

revenue and quadrupled market value

Pepperdine Graziadio MBA program

to $10 billion. In 2015, Blake took

and participating in the round of

the company public on the New York

introductions

Stock Exchange. Blake led GoDaddy’s

Students were instructed to share

brand and culture throughout the years

where they went to school, their major,

and shared his business journey with

employer, title, and responsibilities.

the Chief Technology Officer of the

“I remember being blown away by the

United States, Megan Smith, at the

caliber and quality of individuals in the

GraceHopper conference, where he

program and was actually surprised

was honored as the keynote presenter.

that I made it in. I pushed hard on the

Prior to GoDaddy, Blake served as

accelerator and didn’t lift.”

with

his

classmates.

the Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Yahoo!, increasing the

Blake started playing the drums at the

550 million active users to one billion.

age of seven. He continues to enjoy

Before Yahoo!, he spent 15 years in

playing and has been fortunate enough

senior roles at Microsoft where he took

to play with a few Grammy award-

MSN messenger from zero users to

winning and world-class artists over his

300 million users and created a billion

30 year career in technology.

dollar franchise. Blake now serves on

22

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Erik Johnson

Andy Kubitz

I was impressed by my classmates who managed a career, family, and graduate learning at the same time and appreciated classes with Dr. Charles Morrissey, Dr. Marshall Nickles, and Dr. Michael Kinsman.

Pepperdine Graziadio gives you the space to learn, a safe environment to make mistakes, and the mindfulness to enhance your home and work life.

Fully Employed MBA ‘97

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘11

Erik Johnson is the chief financial officer

profits at twice the rate of sales from

of the Americas for Boardriders, Inc., a

2010 through 2015. Erik states that his

leading action sports lifestyle company

career allows him to work with people

that designs, produces and distributes

and brands that deeply inspire him.

apparel, footwear, and accessories

While

around the world. The company’s

Graziadio

MBA

brands include Quiksilver, Roxy, DC

participated

in

Shoes, Billabong, RVCA, Element, Xcel

capstone strategy class where Erik and

Wetsuits, Von Zipper, and Honolua Surf

his teammates built a shoe company.

Company. Erik was a key team member

The capstone project was great fun

that brought Boardriders, Inc. out of

and eventually launched him into the

bankruptcy in 2016, led the company

footwear and apparel industry he is in

back to profitability within two years,

today.

attending

the

Pepperdine

program, Dr.

With twenty-plus years of television experience, Andy Kubitz oversees a newly created role, director of programming and launch analytics at global streaming company Netflix. Mr. Kubitz leads a team that develops tools and strategies to monitor and advise on content investment and programming and release date strategies based on internal and competitive insights.

Erik

Morrissey’s

Most recently, Mr. Kubitz was the executive vice president of programming strategy at ABC Entertainment. In that role, Mr. Kubitz oversaw daytime, primetime, and late-night program planning and scheduling, as well as managing ABC’s non-linear windowing strategies across various streaming platforms.

and merged with the Billabong Group

Chief Financial Officer Mad Engine Global, LLC.

in 2018 to create a global action sports

Erik’s personal hobbies are intertwined

powerhouse.

with his career as he is a passionate surfer, skier, and outdoor enthusiast.

Prior to Boardriders, Erik was the Vice

He has also taught over 40 kids to surf

President of Global Finance at Oakley,

for their first time.

Inc., where he helped grow operating

23

Director, Programming and Launch Analytics Netflix

Prior to ABC, Andy held executive positions at CBS and successfully maximized sales revenues and viewership for the company. Part of his role was to develop a corporate television content management system to improve communication, organize show metadata and reduce errors, long before it was standard procedure.

Andy was part of the programming

team that saw the reality TV revolution explode with the launch of Survivor. He takes pride in prioritizing programming focused on inclusivity with the airing of innovative shows like Scandal, Blackish, and Fresh Off the Boat. Andy is most proud of being a part of a platform that gave voice to minorities and women including Viola Davis, winner of Best Actress Emmy for Drama on How to Get Away with Murder.

Andy recalls looking at his cohort during graduation and realizing through Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, that they each accomplished a deeply personal goal that was not possible without each other and more importantly, Pepperdine. The program and curriculum structure, top-tier professors, and individual life experiences of each student contributed to a well-rounded educational experience that is with each of them for a lifetime.

During Andy’s spare time he enjoys reading and expanding his knowledge about World History, World War II, and the Greatest Generation.

24

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Robert Kyncl

Tim Langley-Hawthorne

Graziadio provides an incubator that provides students with the tools and guidance they need to experiment and innovate.

Learning with other classmates from different backgrounds, various sized companies, and diversity of roles definitely helped with developing my coaching and leadership skills.

Fully Employed MBA ‘97

Executive MBA ‘03

As chief business officer for video-

projects. While at Graziadio, Robert

As Chief Information Officer at Hertz,

on supporting customers and 500,000

sharing website Youtube, where 300

recalls courses requiring team building

Tim is honored to lead the technology

retail agent locations in 200+ countries

hours of video is uploaded every minute,

and team brainstorming, which he

team that is enabling a 100+ year old

and territories.

Robert

numerous

learned were essential to a business

company on a new path to becoming

business functions including content,

Kyncl

oversees

and understanding new and differing

an

the

Tim recalls one of his first assignments

sales, marketing, platforms, access, and

perspectives. Robert has been listed in

modern mobility ecosystem. Through

at Pepperdine Graziadio was to write “A

strategy. Prior to Youtube, Robert was

Variety’s Dealmakers Impact Report as

technology, Tim’s team is building new

Day in the Life” where he described how

Vice President of Content Acquisitions

one of their “disruptors”, Vanity Fair’s

digital experiences for customers, and

he expected to spend a “perfect” day,

at Netflix, where he spearheaded the

New Establishment List, Billboard’s

enabling the deployment of the largest

ten years after completing his EMBA.

company’s

for

Power 100 List, and AdWeek’s 50 List

Electric Vehicle (EV) fleet in North

Much of what he described is how he

streaming TV shows and movies over

of Vital Leaders in Tech, Media, and

America.

spends his days now. Doing this taught

the Internet. Growing up in the Czech

Marketing.

content

acquisition

of

Under Tim’s leadership, the Hitachi

he wants to achieve, writing it down,

the Iron Curtain, Robert developed

Fresh out of business school and

Vantara IT team received for the first time

and then checking in on the vision on a

important values that motivated him

scouting for a job, Robert landed

ever, the “2020 Enabling Function of the

regular basis.

to make a positive contribution to the

himself a job at a Hollywood talent

world.

agency, where he was later introduced to Netflix. Robert is also the author of

Throughout his career, Robert has

“Streampunks: Youtube and the Rebels

leveraged his Graziadio skills, lessons,

Remaking Media”.

and values to apply them to challenging

25

component

him the value of thinking about what

Republic under the constraints of

Chief Business Officer Google Inc. / YouTube

essential

Year” award, recognizing the significant Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer The Hertz Corporation

business value delivered through close

Tim lives in Colorado with his family.

business/technology engagement. Tim

As a snowboarder for over 20 years, he

also led the global customer service

enjoys spending time in the mountains

and technical support organization at

where he can disconnect from the

Western Union, delivering a technology

pressures of work and enjoy being in

and operational transformation focused

the moment.

26

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Fiona Ma

Kimber Maderazzo

My Pepperdine Graziadio MBA experience matched my personal life perspective: focus on today and plan for tomorrow in a highly competitive environment.

I came for an education and left with a purpose, my experience was lifechanging and I continue to experience the changes due to the benefits of my education at Pepperdine.

Executive MBA ‘00

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘10

In November 2018, Fiona Ma was

two different party governors and three

Kimber Maderazzo currently serves as

executive for top private equity and

elected

State

different Assembly House Speakers.

the Executive Chairman for C200 (The

venture funds and most recently, she

Treasurer. With more votes than any

as

California’s

34th

Fiona’s successful legislation to ban

Committee 200), a preeminent women’s

led a privately held company into sale

other candidate for treasurer in the

toxic

leadership

to a Fortune 100 company.

state’s history, Fiona is the first woman

(phthalates)

of color and first woman certified public

federal legislation and is now a national

celebrating,

current

After a distinguished corporate career,

accountant elected to the position.

law. From 2002 to 2006, she served

Before being elected Treasurer, she was

on the San Francisco County Board

and future women entrepreneurs and

Kimber wanted to break away from the

an elected member of the California

of Supervisors and championed a

corporate leaders.

corporate world to build something for

Board of Equalization from 2015 to

human rights campaign to end human

January 2019 and worked to protect the

trafficking.

chemicals

in

became

baby a

products

model

for

on

The Pepperdine Graziadio MBA program

State Treasurer State of California

stood out to Treasurer Ma because of its

Assembly from 2006 to 2012 and

in-depth analysis of real-life companies

served as Speaker Pro Tempore from

instead of studying theoretical theories

2010 to 2012, building a reputation as

and case studies. During the program,

a solution-oriented public servant and

Fiona and her cohort visited a white-

skillfully forming unlikely coalitions to

collar prison – the experience was eye-

overcome California’s most complex

opening, “I learned that it is not worth it

problems. As an Assembly Member,

to cut corners or take unnecessary risks

she authored 60 bills which were signed

in business or in life in general.”

into law during the Great Recession by

27

organization

focused

inspiring,

educating,

and

advancing

herself. She started a new venture as a

rights of taxpayers.

Fiona was a member of the State

creating,

With over 25 years of experience in the

business owner and is the founder and

beauty and cosmetics industry, Kimber

Chief Executive Officer of MILLI ROSE

is the former Executive Vice President

Beauty.

of Brand and General Manager for the

Executive Chairman C200

world’s #1 acne brand, Proactiv. Prior

After

to working at Proactiv, she was the

Graziadio,

graduating

from

Senior Vice President of Global Product

achieving her goal. “I accomplished

Marketing at Guthy Renker, where she

something that I set out to do and

created a number of brands for the

achieve. It sets me apart from most

company’s portfolio and developed

leaders and completes me as an

dozens of consumer products in beauty,

executive.”

Kimber

Pepperdine

walked

away

skincare, entertainment, and wellness categories. Kimber is also an operating

28

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Thomas Magnuson

Matt Marquis

Pepperdine transformed my fears to strengths. With new knowledge, I was reinspired with encouragement and hope. My focus expanded greatly, to paying attention to people and the world around me.

My experience helped prepare for the heavy yoke of leadership at an award winning, top 30 hotel ownership and management company. It prepared to meet challenges creatively and in a collaborative way.

Fully Employed MBA ‘98

Executive MBA ‘99

Tom works as the CEO of Magnuson

for admission was daunting. But he

Matt Marquis began his business career

While

Hotels, the first global hotel chain to

applied to Pepperdine in the late 1980s

on Wall Street with Dean Witter Realty

Graziadio Executive MBA program,

provide affordable booking technology

at a special moment when the school

Inc, where he was an Analyst and Asset

Matt recalls Professor of Strategy,

to independent hotels. His leadership

was pioneering a new concept. They

Manager for their diversified real estate

Chuck Williams, holding a meeting for

led Magnuson Hotels to be named the

wanted people who were working and

portfolio valued at more than $1 billion.

the board of directors to review Matt’s

fastest growing hotel company of the Inc

valued people who had years of diverse

Matt joined Pacifica Real Estate Group

MBA case study. Professor Williams

5000 fastest growing private companies.

experience. Tom will never forget his

as an Asset Manager responsible for

led Matt and his team through a partial

For three years straight (2019, 2020,

interview, where he was welcomed with

the commercial real estate portfolio. In

board meeting in which the board

2021), Magnuson Hotels outperformed

encouragement and love to a family he

2000, Matt and his father Dale Marquis

discussed serious issues and challenges

the USA hotel industry in the delivery of

had never met before.

activated Invest West Financial Corp

that would require board attention, top

as the family’s primary business and

leadership management, and strategy

RevPAR (revenue per available room).

Before Graziadio,

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Magnuson Hotels (London, UK, USA)

attending

the

Pepperdine

Tom has played drums professionally

acquired Pacifica Hotel Company. With

decision changes. This lesson was

starting

at

Pepperdine

from the age of 15 to 30 and has

Matt as the Chief Executive Officer,

extremely helpful and contributed value

Tom’s

work

to Matt’s present position as CEO.

experience

had the chance to study with some

Pacifica Hotels now has over 40 assets

was as a musician in some pretty

of the greatest jazz drummers and

and has developed two hospitality

gritty places and the thought of being

percussionists of the 20th century.

judged by a committee of academics

Chief Executive Officer Pacifica Hotels

brands, The Wayfarer and The Kinney.

Matt currently resides in Orange County

Earlier in 2019, Matt and his team

with his wife and their four children.

successfully sold The Courtyard by

Matt and his children have a love for

Marriott

Kona

music and in his spare time, he has

Beach Hotel, one of their largest assets,

become a local DJ (free of charge!) for a

to Blackstone for $100+ million.

variety of events and parties in both the

King

Kamehameha

OC and Santa Barbara communities.

29

30

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Lisa McGill

Steven Milovich

I completed my MBA while working full-time as a C-Suite business leader, and that knowledge, experience, and problem-solving provided a better understanding of all aspects of the business and realistic solutions.

My Graziadio experience was a major awakening for me personally and professionally. It was a transformative experience, a catalyst, for unlocking my potential and improving my personal life and career.

Executive MBA ‘08

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘99

Lisa is currently an Investor and Advisor

of a publicly traded tech company at

with SemperVirens VC and on the

the age of 34. She worked feverishly

advisory board of several mid-stage

with the founder and CEO for over six

companies. She was formerly Chief

years to grow talent globally, improve

People Officer at CrowdStrike (pre & post

culture and engagement, deliver results,

IPO), Silver Peak, Fortinet, Brocade,

and earn his trust along with that of

and Foundry Networks, Inc. She adds

the leadership team and board. The

value her

to

companies

expertise

Committee

as

a

member

by

leveraging

company was acquired two years later

Compensation

by an even larger public tech company

as

as

for which Lisa immediately became

experience with explosive growth, IPOs,

well

Chief People Officer. In parallel, Lisa

M&A, equity restructuring, and HR tech

was studying evenings and weekends

scaling. For the first time, boards are

to earn her MBA from Pepperdine

spending more time on people issues

and attributes her entry to the C-Suite

and Lisa provides guidance relative to

directly to attaining her MBA.

Steve Milovich is an accomplished business and senior human resources executive with a track record of successfully working with leadership teams to drive business results in diverse industries and global business environments. He has held executive positions with some of the world’s most successful and iconic companies, including The Walt Disney Company, PepsiCo, and Honeywell.

the hybrid workforce, metrics for new Investor and Advisor SemperVirens VC

SEC disclosure requirements, new ways

Lisa accomplished all of this while also

to engage employees, and the future of

prioritizing being a wife and mother to

work, among other things.

her twins.

A major milestone in her career was her promotion to Chief People Officer

31

President Milovich Partners Former Senior Vice President The Walt Disney Company

After a distinguished corporate career, Steve retired from Disney to begin his second career as a business school professor, human capital consultant, and executive coach. He is currently President of Milovich Partners, a strategic human capital consulting, advisory, and executive coaching company. He is also a Strategic Advisor for The Boston Consulting Group, an executive in residence and senior lecturer in the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, and a member of the leadership team and faculty of The Hudson Institute of Coaching.

During his tenure at Walt Disney Company, Steve held several top executive human resource positions, initially serving as Senior Vice President of Corporate Human Resources, Organization, and Leadership development, and later assuming the position of Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources, Talent, and Workforce diversity for Disney | ABC Television. He led numerous initiatives that increased the engagement and efficiency of the organization and its workforce, as well as the attraction, development, and retention of key talent at all levels.

During Dr. Wayne Storm’s Organization Behavior course, Steve learned that the key to developing an effective organization was improving the leadership capability of each individual leader. The course taught him that a leader must first look inward and get better at managing and leading themselves before they can truly be effective at leading others.

32

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Oscar Munoz

Quincy Newell

At Graziadio, I gained the knowledge necessary to make a good living. More importantly, I gained the wisdom necessary to make a meaningful life.

Pepperdine Graziadio is a school where its mission is to educate, inspire and instill an ethical foundation. I will forever honor the mission, live up to the ideal, and encourage others to do the same.

Fully Employed MBA ‘86

Fully Employed MBA ‘12

As the former Chief Executive Officer

Cola, then AT&T. Despite the diversity

Guided by four main principles –

as producer of Kevin Hart’s independent

of United Airlines, Oscar Munoz led

of those experiences, Oscar states the

integrity, stewardship, courage, and

box-office hits “Laugh at My Pain” and

an

the

common denominator that binds them

compassion – Quincy Newell believes

“Let Me Explain”, Shaquille O’Neal’s

company’s stock rising more than 50

all is the importance of communication,

a successful business is created by

“Shaq All-Star Comedy Jam” franchise,

percent, top-tier operational reliability,

authenticity, and value-driven decision-

seeking the collective good along with

WWE’s “Blood Brother”, and T.D.

and improving customer satisfaction.

making.

shareholder value. With a 30+ year

Jake’s “Woman Thou Art Loosed: On

career in entertainment and media,

the 7th Day”, among others. He was

after receiving his law degree in 2017,

nominated for an NAACP Image Award

incredible

turnaround

with

Oscar took great pride in the renewal

Retired Chief Executive Officer United Airlines

of trust and purpose among United

In 2018, Oscar returned to his alma

Quincy decided to launch his own

for his role as producer on “WTAL: 7th

employees, which he calls the New

mater to deliver the commencement

entertainment and media advisory firm.

Day”.

Spirit of United. Prior, Oscar was

address

He has successfully built a clientele

President

Operations

graduating MBA class. Drawing upon

Officer at CSX Railways where he led

lessons he learned throughout his

a team that successfully increased the

career, as well as his upbringing as

company’s market capitalization from

the oldest of nine children in a modest

$6 billion to more than $40 billion, by

Hispanic immigrant household, Oscar

Previously, Quincy was the Executive

esteemed colleagues such as Mike

focusing on growth and creating value

offered important wisdom for business

Vice President and General Manager

Paseornek, President of Production

for customers, stakeholders, and the

and life, “for too much and for too long

of Codeblack Films, a wholly owned

at

subsidiary of Lionsgate Entertainment

President of Original Programming,

Corp.,

and

Chief

community.

to

Pepperdine

Graziadio’s

we’ve been told that you can’t be both profitable and principled. My experience

Oscar

33

has

held

various

positions

teaches the opposite: embodying good

across the spectrum, from consumer

values creates the greatest value for any

products and branding to the telecom

organization. That’s the best lesson I

industry, first at PepsiCo and Coca

learned at Pepperdine.”

that includes Significant Productions,

While at Graziadio, Quincy proudly

Dynamic Action Design, ShadowBandit

contributed

Entertainment, and Reign a First World

Entertainment,

Media/AT&T company.

Culture (IEMC) Diversity and Inclusion

to

the

Institute

for

Media,

Sports

and

Symposium and recruited a few of his

Founder and President TwentyOne14

co-founded

and

Carmi

Zlotnik,

Codeblack

Starz. In 2018, he was honored with the

Entertainment, a joint venture with

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Universal Music Group Distribution.

Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Quincy

and

Lionsgate,

wrote

and

produced

the

2009 Sundance Film Festival Official

In celebration of his 52nd birthday,

Selection, “Why We Laugh: Black

Quincy is training for his 11th triathlon

Comedians on Black Comedy”, served

this September.

34

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Stephen Olson

Dan Redfern

I found Pepperdine to be very helpful to my career. The exposure to effective management skills, team approaches to problem solving, and personal networking were all important qualities found at Graziadio.

Wayne Strom gave me a remarkable and memorable lesson. He showed us new ways to be polished executives, use meditation drills, and gave us his infamous reminder that there is no need to react.

Executive MBA ‘73

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘97

With more than 30 years of experience

Previously, Stephen served as President

As Executive Vice President and Chief

assigned to write a strategic thesis.

in real estate finance and development,

and Chief Executive Officer for Signet

Financial Officer for Ruiz Foods, Dan

His thesis on “Maintaining the Lead as

Stephen Olson is recognized as a

Scientific Company and served as

Redfern is responsible for all aspects of

a Dominant Market Leader” enabled

leader in providing affordable urban

Chairman for the Aquarium of the

strategic planning, financial reporting,

him to pull together all of the valuable

housing throughout California. Founder

Pacific, as well as director of numerous

accounting, treasury, board of directors

learnings from each of the elements of

and

the

private and public companies. He also

support,

performance

the program. Ten years after graduating

Olson Company, Stephen has led the

Executive

Chairman

of

founded Flowline, Inc. and ONX Winery

management. Prior to joining Ruiz

the PKE program, Dan received a

company to receive the Eliant award for

on the California Central Coast.

Foods, Dan spent over 30 years in the

letter from himself. “I had such an

food and beverage industry and served

eerie feeling when I realized my life

Best Builder in North America in 2015,

Chairman and Founder The Olson Company

35

and

P&L

2016, 2017, and placed second in

During the program, Stephen received

as CFO for several prominent operating

had turned out almost exactly like the

2018. Olson communities are designed

counsel from Dr. Duke Paige that

divisions of Bonduelle Fresh Americas,

letter I wrote myself. I am convinced

to draw people out of their cars and

remained valuable to him over the years.

Popchips

and

the skills learned at PKE had a dramatic

onto community sidewalks and public

Dr. Paige taught him to emphasize the

PepsiCo. While at Pepsi Bottling Group

and positive impact on my personal and

transportation,

professional career.”

Foods,

the

“what rather than the how”, focusing on

Canada, Dan helped lead a significant

a full team buy-in instead of rushing into

turnaround in profitability of the $1.4

goals

cities.

for

the “implementation strategy”. Stephen

affordable housing, Stephen has been

has been recognized as a distinguished

recognized

by

A

meeting

Tyson

energy, air quality, and connectivity of

while

Inc.,

champion

California

alumnus by the Pepperdine Graziadio

State and City agencies over the years

numerous

Business School and has been awarded

and he was named America’s Builder of

with

the Year in 2000.

Pepperdine Graziadio.

an

honorary

doctorate

from

billion division of PepsiCo. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ruiz Foods

In Dan’s spare time, he competes competitively in triathlons and is a three-

While attending the Presidents and

time member of Team USA competing

Key Executives (PKE) MBA program

in

at Pepperdine Graziadio, Dan was

throughout the globe.

Triathlon

World

Championships

36

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Donald Romano

Irv Rothman

Like anything else in life, you get out of it what you put into it.

A difficult challenge, a proud accomplishment. Opened a few doors and provided me with skills to succeed. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Fully Employed MBA ‘02

Executive MBA ‘81

With a career spanning over 37 years in

Diversity. Prior to joining Hyundai, Don

As Chief Executive Officer of HPE

In the early development years of his

the automotive industry, Don Romano

was President of Mazda Canada as well

Financial Services (HPEFS), Irv Rothman

career, Irv felt he lacked some essential

is now President and Chief Executive

as Chief Marketing Officer for Mazda

has grown the business to over $13

skills and training to succeed long term.

Officer

Canada.

operations in North America and held

billion in assets, $3.4 billion in revenue,

Irv selected Graziadio because of the

Over the past eight years under Don’s

key executive roles for Toyota overseas

and has expanded the company’s global

focus on leadership skill acquisition,

and Nissan in North America.

presence to over 50 countries. In a data-

quantitative

record sales and market share growth.

driven, digital-first world, HPE Financial

decision making, and an opportunity

Today, Hyundai is the fastest growing

The Pepperdine Graziadio Business

Services

investment

to experience a collaborative work

automotive brand in Canada. He also

School taught Don how to be an

capacity enterprises need to accelerate

environment with a diverse group of

launched the new luxury brand Genesis,

effective leader and understand how

their transformation. Combining over

people. The learnings from his graduate

the Ioniq all electric brand as well as the

to react to an ever-changing business

20 years of asset management expertise

school experience have been broadly

industry’s first zero-emission fuel cell

environment. “A successful business

and financial know-how, the company

applied in his many professional steps

vehicle in Canada, positioning Hyundai

is built with an exceptional team and

creates

forward ever since.

as a world leader in environmentally

a strong corporate culture of respect,

strategies across the entire technology

friendly transportation.

integrity, and innovation. Graziadio’s

estate. Prior to taking on the leadership

Irv is the author of “Out-Executing

focus on these critical skills combined

responsibility for HPEFS, Irv was the

the Competition” (Wiley, 2012). All

founder of Compaq Financial Services,

personal royalties from book sales

a greenfield startup that grew to $3.5

are being donated to Room to Read,

of

Hyundai

Auto

leadership, the company has achieved

President and Chief Executive Officer Hyundai Auto Canada Corp

Under

Don’s

leadership,

Hyundai

with a strong emphasis on business

Chief Executive Officer HPE Financial Services

creates

the

innovative,

sustainable

courses

for

business

Canada has been recognized as one

fundamentals gave me the foundation

of Canada’s top 10 best places to

necessary to achieve my career goals.”

billion assets and $1.0 billion revenue in

an international charity dedicated to

work and one of Canada’s best work

A California native from Laguna Beach,

less than five years.

promoting children’s literacy across the

environments for women to succeed.

Don used to be a routine surfer, but now

Don was also recognized by Automotive

calls Ontario, Canada home.

world.

News as a North American Champion of

37

38

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Dan Sanders

Jeffrey Sprecher

Lifelong learning is the key to remaining relevant and relevancy is the key to remaining gratified and fulfilled professionally.

My time as a young executive living in California in the early 1980s, and especially my years at Graziadio, sharpened my entrepreneurial vision and laid out a road map I’ve followed ever since.

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘10

Fully Employed MBA ‘84

A proven business leader specializing

co-founded AdContent, a company

Jeff Sprecher is the Founder, Chair,

Graziadio.

in business transformations and retail

specializing in content management,

and

of

method brought him face-to-face with

store operations, Dan Sanders oversees

online

all Sprouts Farmers Market stores from

management, and digital photography

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE)

new companies, industries, and issues.

coast to coast. Recognized as one of

for

and a pioneer of digital networks and

With Ronald Reagan in the White

America’s Fastest Growing Retailers by

organizations. Dan was instrumental in

the electronification of trading and

House and Jerry Brown as Governor of

Business Insider and awarded America’s

preparing both companies for sale to

marketplaces.

California, deregulation was the rallying

Most Admired Companies by Fortune,

Windward Capital, a New York-based

Sprouts operates more than 380 stores

private investment firm.

ad retail

building, and

promotions entertainment

Chief Store Operations Officer Sprouts Farmers Market

Officer

study

energy markets. In a roundabout way,

which went public on the NYSE in 2005,

this sparked a life-changing opportunity

now has a market cap of over $75

for Jeff while at Graziadio.

Pepperdine

ten years with United Supermarkets

and Key Executives MBA curriculum is

billion. Jeff became chair of the NYSE

of Texas and served in various roles,

delivered with the spirit of wisdom. Dr.

following ICE’s acquisition, overseeing

As part of his organizational behavior

including

Officer.

Wayne Storm, a legendary professor of

a complete overhaul of the Exchange,

class, Jeff dove inside a local firm to

During his tenure, United Supermarkets

organizational behavior, stated: “You

serving in that role for eight years

see what made it tick, finding executives

achieved recognition for Best Places to

don’t have to react.” Those five words

Work in Texas and was also recognized

proved to be true and shaped Dan’s

through 2021. After delivering to ICE

building a business model around

as Texas Family Business of the Year.

behavior long after graduation.

shareholders a consistent compound

energy deregulation. One of them

annual growth of 17% over the span of

tapped Jeff as his first hire at a new

Along with serving as a corporate

Dan is a former United States Air Force

2006 to 2021, Jeff has been hailed as

startup called Western Power Group.

executive, Dan enjoyed entrepreneurial

pilot, served as a member of the Air

one of Barron’s “World’s Best CEOs”

Three years later, Jeff was running

ventures and was an equity partner

Force One Presidential Advance Team

for six consecutive years.

that company. He credits Graziadio’s

at

company

for President George H. W. Bush, and

specializing in advertising production

authored two books on leadership, both

and

published by McGraw-Hill.

Chief

Adplex,

a

business

Executive

marketing consultative

services

Presidents

Starting from scratch in 2000, ICE,

Prior to joining Sprouts, Dan spent

for high-profile corporations. He also

39

Executive

case

cry, extending into the renewable

and employs 35,000 team members.

Graziadio’s

Chief

Graziadio’s

Founder, Chair, and Chief Executive Officer Intercontinental Exchange

organizational behavior class. Without Jeff was born in the Midwest and

it, he says, might never have been a

got his engineering degree there, but

CEO at all.

his entrepreneurial spark was lit at

40

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Tiffany Stith

Tom Sumner

My time at Pepperdine Graziadio was one of the most formative in my career and life. The value centered leadership skills I gained guide me daily, both personally and professionally.

My objective was to deeply understand the material and apply it to my job.

Within the first semester of the program, I used what I learned to immediately improve profitability, accountability and brand value.

Fully Employed MBA ‘09

Fully Employed MBA ‘03

President and Chief Operating Officer

Tiffany decided to earn her MBA from

As Yamaha Corporation of America’s

an innovative solution. The alumni and

of Lawry’s Restaurant, Tiffany Stith

Pepperdine Graziadio. While enrolled

first non-Japanese President in 59 years

broader Pepperdine Graziadio network

is the first woman and the first non-

in the program, she studied abroad at

and first American Operating Officer

has

family member to lead the company.

Oxford and in Buenos Aires where she

of Yamaha Corporation Japan, Tom

perspectives and views that he has

Innovative and determined for change,

was exposed to brilliant thought leaders

Sumner plays a central role in shaping

utilized time after time.

she led Lawry’s first major menu change

on philanthropic integration of business

the evolution of Yamaha. Tom led the

and full brand revitalization with the

and general economic theory. These

first major restructuring of the company

Yamaha is the world’s largest musical

Frank Family. She also helped build a

experiences changed the way Tiffany

in 30 years, creating a company that

instrument company with half of its

tech startup company from the ground

thought about business and allowed her

is customer-centric and efficient by

employees

up during the rise of tech in the ‘90s and

to have an international and geopolitical

establishing a marketing discipline and

nontraditional

became a partner and board member in

lens. Surrounded by a cultural and

streamlining operations to eliminate

meeting

her 20’s. Tiffany was the first person in

diverse cohort, she was able to build

internal conflicts and redundancies.

showcase their talents. This past year,

her family to graduate from high school,

close ties with her colleagues.

President and Chief Operating Officer Lawry’s Restaurant, Inc.

After Despite having a busy schedule, Tiffany

generations.

and her husband are huge live music fans and manage to find time to see

Driven to succeed and dedicated to her role at Lawry’s Restaurant, Inc.,

more than 100 concerts a year.

him

being

with

musicians.

annual

encourages

additional

The

all-company employees

to

President Tom Sumner joined the house

college, and earn a graduate degree.

She serves as an example for future

provided

President Yamaha Corporation of America

Pepperdine

band, played the guitar, and sang ‘Sara

Graziadio, Tom was confronted with

graduating

from

Smile’ to his team. The creativity and

a problem that seemed to have no

boldness found in Yamaha employees

satisfying solution. Tom presented this

feeds back into the heart of the

challenge to his Pepperdine cohort and

company and casts a spotlight on the

learned from their industry experiences

customers.

and perspectives and was able to create

41

42

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Joshua Taub

Lori Torres

Graziadio was a great place, that both suited my life and aspiration to grow simultaneously. I am appreciative of the education and the support from the school in the years post my graduation.

I was challenged, pushed and met amazing people. I now have friends for life from my journey in the Presidents and Key Executives MBA program. I’m forever grateful for my experience!

Fully Employed MBA ‘99

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘14

Headquartered

in

Santa

Monica,

California, Activision Blizzard, Inc. is

Activision Blizzard’s best two years in

Lori Torres began her career in real

million. Parcel Pending now has 175

history.

estate and managed 44,000 apartments

employees and won Orange County Top

across the West. While working for a

Workplaces in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

the world’s largest most successful interactive

Chief Operating Officer Activision

43

company.

Joining Pepperdine Graziadio early in

leading real estate development firm,

With 400 million monthly active users

entertainment

his professional life, Joshua started

Irvine

were

During the Pepperdine Graziadio PKE

in 196 countries, iconic franchises

his MBA while working full time, in the

inundated managing packages from

program, she was managing operations

include Call of Duty®, World of

midst of a new marriage, the birth of his

residents’

orders

for a billion dollar a year company with

Warcraft®, Starcraft®, Candy Crush

first child, and purchasing his first home.

and unable to conduct day-to-day

1,200 employees and couldn’t imagine

Saga®, and many more. Joshua is the

Campus flexibility throughout Southern

operations. Property managers were

earning a degree. The PKE program

Chief Operations Officer of Activision

California was crucial. Joshua’s most

struggling to devote enough space,

was a pivotal part in her transition from

Publishing and has a key role in leading

impressive

Pepperdine

time, and money to managing the

Corporate America to entrepreneurship.

the overall organization. Key functions

Graziadio was listening to guest speaker

major boost in resident deliveries and

Her cohort and professors became

include, division CFO and Strategic

Gordon

Amgen.

packages, all while residents were

advisors as she began to build Parcel

Management, the future pipeline and

The inspiring discussion focused on

becoming frustrated with having to

Pending and supported her in the

Emerging Franchises business, as well

Amgen’s company vision, the care with

pick up their packages during office

success of the company.

as, Data and Analytics. In his time

which Amgen manages employees, and

at Activision, he held key leadership

how they aggressively foster R&D as the

roles in developing Guitar Hero and

lifeblood of the company. The positive

Skylanders Franchises, and as Chief

experience has remained with Joshua

Financial

and is still applied in his business today.

Officer,

presided

over

memory

Binder,

at

CEO

of

Company, online

Lori’s

staff

shopping

hours or missing packages. Using this Founder and Former Chief Executive Officer Parcel Pending

insight, Lori founded Parcel Pending, an

Lori enjoys exploring the world and is

innovative locker solution that ensures

curious about everything, which drives

simple and secure delivery and retrieval

her to continue learning and growing.

of packages and online orders. Within

She loves and adores her family,

five years, the company grew by over

friends, and people she has met along

$30 million and sold for over $100

her business and life journey.

44

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Steve Totzke

Victor Tsao

You not only leave with a wonderful education taught by world-class professors but with an individual board of advisors who you can call on for personal and professional guidance over a lifetime.

Graziadio helped me build beyond my IT technical skills by expanding my management knowledge and in turn, my business.

Presidents and Key Executives MBA ‘15

Fully Employed MBA ‘86

Steve Totzke is President and Chief

achieving these objectives on a daily

Victor Tsao co-founded Linksys in 1988

Victor has been a longtime advocate

Commercial Officer of Mattel, a leading

basis, regardless of where he is in the

and

contributions

and donor in giving back to the

global toy company and owner of one

world.

to introduce home networking to the

community through charitable giving.

individual consumer. He grew Linksys

He created the Tsao Family Foundation

from

in 2004, which was organized to support

of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in

Still fresh in his mind, Steve recalls his

the world with brands including Barbie,

first day at Pepperdine Graziadio. “I

Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, and American

vividly recall the first day winding my

Girl. Steve oversees the company’s

way up the hill to the stunning Malibu

global commercial operations and is

campus and beginning the personal

responsible for driving Mattel’s growth

‘check-in’ process with my cohort that

in markets worldwide.

begins every session. I immediately

Steve has played a pivotal role in

garage

entrepreneurship

educational,

popularized the Wi-Fi router which

cultural, and other charitable causes.

led to the universal use of the Wi-

The Tsao Family Foundation has made

Fi connections we use every day. In

millions of dollars in grants to other

2003, Linksys was sold to Cisco in

charitable organizations in pursuit to

knew this was a special program that

order to expand its global reach. Due

make the world a better place.

would stay with me for a lifetime.”

to his accomplishments at Linksys,

healthcare,

scientific,

Victor was inducted into the Consumer

Victor holds an MBA from Pepperdine

high-performing toy company the past

As Mattel’s Chief Commercial Officer,

Electronics Association’s Hall of Fame

University, an MS in Computer Science

few years, but most importantly, he

traveling

takes pride each day in supporting

often. With downtime in airports,

in 2014. Prior to Linksys, Victor worked

from the Illinois Institute of Technology,

Mattel’s purpose to empower the next

airplanes, and hotels, Steve uses this

generation to explore the wonder of

time to continue personal learning

childhood and reach their full potential.

and development. Self-classified as

is

necessary

and

occurs

a podcast addict, Steve learns about Having traveled and worked in multiple

every topic that interests him and

countries and cultures, Steve’s main

pushes himself to learn about topics

objective is to learn something new,

that might not have caught his attention

positively contribute, and to have fun.

at first.

Steve’s

45

a

significant

to a home networking leader that

Mattel’s transformation to an IP-driven,

President and Chief Commercial Officer Mattel, Inc.

made

biggest

accomplishment

in various software programming and

a

President Miven, Inc.

system integration jobs. He retired from

Tamkang University, and an honorary

BS

in

Computer

Science

from

corporate life in 2007 and remains active

Doctor of Engineering degree from the

Co-Founder Linksys

in technology through investments and

Illinois Institute of Technology.

philanthropy.

is

46

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Betty Uribe

Paul Smucker Wagstaff

My Graziadio experience provided me tools to make a significant impact in others, while creating unprecedented results, transforming every area of my life.

Graziadio taught me critical thinking, problem solving, entrepreneurial skills through collaborative group projects, and provided constructive criticism on final projects (even when it took the wind out of my sails).

Executive MBA ‘00

Master of Science in International Business ‘95

Since the age of 19, Betty Uribe has

Betty has become a global leader,

As President of Consumer Food for

focused on consumer-packaged goods

expanded and sold over five successful

being asked to speak to heads of state,

J.M. Smucker Company, Paul managed

(CPG) and completed three acquisitions

companies.She is currently Managing

dignitaries, and global leaders.

$2.3 billion in sales of heritage brands

in three years. Today, Paul continues

such

Director at JPMorgan Chase & Co. where she oversees the company’s

While attending Graziadio, she was

California retail bank network which

undergoing a challenging time. “I went

includes

across

to my strategy professor and asked for

nearly

Managing Director JPMorgan Chase & Co.

10,000 1,000

employees

branches.

as

Smucker’s

fruit

to focus on advising board work and investments primarily in the CPG food

Peanut Butter, Pillsbury, and many more

space.

household food brand names. Through

JPMorgan

an extension on a critical assignment. At

Chase is the largest bank in the country

the time, I was a full-time student, had a

research and innovation, Paul improved

Midway through his Master of Science

with more than $3.2 trillion in assets

full-time job, and was about to become

operational excellence, built a topnotch

in International Business program at

under management.

a full-time single mother of two young

team, and created 30-50 new products

Graziadio, Paul and his wife moved to

girls. To my surprise the professor said,

per year, generating double-digit sales

Germany. The head of the program

Previously, she served as Executive Vice

‘let’s take the assignment aside, tell me

President at California Bank & Trust

what I can do to help you get through

and margins.

took the initiative to meet with Paul,

where she oversaw a $6 billion line of

this.’ I immediately felt completely

business. Under Betty’s leadership,

supported. I turned in the project on

California Bank & Trust was recognized

time and was committed to step up to

as the #1 Bank in Orange County by

the plate even more.”

the Orange County Register for five

provided guidance on completing the In

Co-Founder and Managing Partner Embassy Park LLC

own

program, and helped his wife pursue

entrepreneurial dreams by partnering

2014,

Paul

pursued

his

her art career. The head of the program

with a private equity firm to buy Eagle

and Paul’s cohort embraced his wife as

Brand canned milk, G.H. Creators ready

one of their own and made it clear that

to eat popcorn, and Popcorn Indiana.

Pepperdine Graziadio was the correct

funds to provide a full college education

Within two years, Eagle Foods became

choice.

Balancing her life and career, while

to 100 underserved individuals in each

writing an international best-selling

continent by the time she is 80 years

the fastest growing ready to eat popcorn

book, “#Values, the Secret to Top Level

old. She has already funded over

Performance in Business and Life”, she

60 scholarships, 53 of which are in

keeps the Graziadio values of “Freely

Southern California.

consecutive years.

ye received, freely give” top of mind.

47

spreads,

uncrustables PB&J sandwiches, Jif

Betty’s personal goal is to raise enough

brand in the nation.

Paul enjoys playing golf and was an extra in a 1988 Michael Jackson music

Paul established Embassy Park LLC,

video.

a merchant banking and advisory firm

48

notable alumni

volume 3 | 2022

Robin Washington

Christa Zofcin Workman

In addition to equipping me with the academic skills to succeed in my career, my Graziadio experience solidified the confidence in myself to achieve and conquer whatever I set out to do with hard work.

Pepperdine Graziadio is the intersection of a world class education with a warm family dinner – exceptional and intimate.

Executive MBA ‘95

BA ‘97, MBA ‘00, JD ‘01

As the former Senior Vice President

its “Financial Woman of the Year” and

and Chief Financial Officer of Gilead

received the Bay Area CFO of the Year

Science, Inc. Robin Washington oversaw

Lifetime Achievement Award.

the

Global

Technology,

Former Chief Financial Officer Gilead Sciences, Inc.

49

Finance, and

Information and

Robin’s EMBA program highlight was the

Corporate Operations organizations.

amazing relationships that were formed

In that leadership role, Robin was a

with her classmates and professors.

member of the management team that

“We were one of the first classes at

profitably grew the biotech company

the Santa Clara location and I am still

and made a difference for Gilead’s

in contact with some of my classmates.

patients through innovative science and

It was clearly an opportunity to work

curative medicines. Throughout the

collaboratively

years, Robin built and led a talented

different backgrounds and skill sets.

team of business professionals and

Very relevant experience for the roles

created effective programs to support

I have had in my career following

talent

completion of the program.”

development

Facilities

and

enhance

with

individuals

of

efficiency and effectiveness of Gilead.

In addition, she has been a passionate

Robin is currently a board member for

sponsor of inclusion and diversity

Honeywell

initiatives to enhance representation

com,

and support of females and minorities in

chair, Alphabet Inc., and Pepperdine

senior corporate roles and boardrooms.

Graziadio. Robin enjoys traveling the

In 2017, Robin was selected by the

world and embracing the cultures with

Financial Women of San Francisco as

her husband and two children.

International,

where

she

serves

Salesforce. as

audit

Co-President and Chief Operating Officer River Road Entertainment

With over twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry, Emmy®nominated producer, Christa (Zofcin) Workman is Co-President and Chief Operating Officer of River Road Entertainment, a leading independent film and television production company, where she oversees company-wide business operations and strategy. She most recently was Executive Producer on Dreamin’ Wild, premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, which stars Academy Award®-winner Casey Affleck, Emmy® and Grammy Award®winner Beau Bridges, Emmy®nominated Zooey Deschanel, Emmy®nominated Walton Goggins, Noah Jupe, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Chris Messina.

Christa also was Executive Producer on two-time Emmy®-winning (and six-time Emmy®-nominated) film, American Utopia.

Studios as well as serving as counsel to the late Michael King, Founder/Owner/ CEO of King World.

Other notable River Road films include Academy Award® winners 12 Years a Slave and Brokeback Mountain, Academy Award®–nominated Food, Inc., and Palme d’Or winner The Tree of Life.

Christa put herself through school, and she credits her time at Pepperdine Graziadio with helping her develop the business and strategic analyses she implements today.

Formerly, she was head of business affairs for United Artists. She began her career working in finance at MGM

A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a member of the Television Academy, Christa also serves on the Pepperdine University Board, is a founding executive board member of the University’s Institute for Entertainment, Media, Sports, and Culture and is one of the founding partners of the Law School’s 50 For 50 Scholarship Campaign. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for Claris Health and serves as Co-Chair on the UCLA Entertainment Symposium Committee.

In 2021, she was honored with the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Distinguished Alumnus Award.

When not making movies, she enjoys biohacking, books, bubbly, and beaches. She especially likes to do all four at the same time.

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