Policy Expert and Business Leader Charity Wallace ('97) Appointed to Pepperdine University Board of Regents
Pepperdine is proud to announce the appointment of Charity Wallace, founder and president of Wallace Global Impact, to the Board of Regents, the legal governing body and chief policy board of the University.
“Charity's heart for this university, combined with her global leadership experience and deep commitment to creating meaningful impact in the lives of others, makes her an invaluable addition to the board," said Board of Regents chair Dee Anna Smith (’86). "We are sincerely grateful for her willingness to serve and confident her leadership will have a lasting impact on Pepperdine.”
"We are proud to welcome Charity to the board. As a distinguished alumna and accomplished entrepreneur, she reflects the very best of Pepperdine through thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to our mission," said president Jim Gash (JD '93). "I’m grateful for her service and confident she will make a meaningful impact in the years ahead.”
A strategic, mission-driven, and pioneering executive leader, Wallace is a distinguished policy professional with expertise in impact investing, social impact, foreign policy, global development, and women’s empowerment. As the leader of Wallace Global Impact, she advises corporations, foundations, and nonprofit organizations on addressing complex global challenges.
She most recently served at the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as senior vice president of the Office of Strategic Initiatives and managing director for Global Women’s Issues, leading efforts to catalyze private-sector investment across key regions and sectors. Wallace also oversaw the DFC’s 2X Women’s Initiative and advanced the integration of a gender lens across the agency’s investment strategy.
She previously served as senior advisor at the George W. Bush Institute and as chief of staff to Laura Bush. During her service in the Bush administration, she held senior roles including deputy chief of protocol of the United States and director of advance for the First Lady.
Wallace is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on multiple nonprofit and advisory boards, including the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy Board of Advisors.
A native of California, Wallace earned a global master of arts in international relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine University with a bachelor of arts in political science.
“I'm deeply honored to join Pepperdine University's Board of Regents. As an alum, this institution has helped shape who I am, and the opportunity to give back—to help guide its future—is both humbling and energizing," said Wallace. "I'm grateful to serve alongside leaders who share a deep commitment to excellence, integrity, and purpose, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this remarkable university."