Pepperdine University Appoints Kasey S. Pipes and Chris Ruud to Board of Regents
MALIBU, California – Pepperdine University has appointed communications strategist Kasey S. Pipes and business leader and philanthropist Chris Ruud to the Board of Regents, the legal governing body and chief policy board of the University.
“With their extensive experience and leadership in public affairs, business, and philanthropy, Kasey and Chris will provide valuable insights and strategic guidance to the University's continued mission of academic excellence and Christian values,” said Pepperdine University President Jim Gash.
Kasey S. Pipes is the President and CEO of The Pipes Company, a strategic communications firm he founded in 2004. With expertise in public relations, crisis communication, media training, executive communications, content strategy, digital marketing, issue advocacy, reputation management, and policy development, Pipes brings a wealth of experience to the Board.
Before establishing his consultancy, Pipes dedicated a decade to politics, serving as a communications and policy adviser. In 2006, he was the chief campaign speechwriter and senior communications adviser to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Prior to that, he spent five years serving President George W. Bush, contributing to the Bush for President Campaign from 1999-2000 and later writing speeches and providing policy research in the Bush White House from 2001-2003. In 2004, he was the chief author of the National Republican Party Platform.
Pipes' extensive political experience includes serving as deputy campaign manager and campaign spokesman for the successful Granger for Congress Campaign in Texas, as well as communications director and senior legislative assistant to Congresswoman Kay Granger. He began his career as a research intern in the California office of former President Ronald Reagan.
Chris Ruud, a distinguished business leader and philanthropist, holds an Executive Master’s in business administration from Loyola University and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and mathematics from Pepperdine University.
Ruud currently serves as the CEO and lead investor of DeltaHawk Engines in Racine, Wisconsin, where he successfully certified and launched the first new piston-based engine design in over 60 years through the Federal Aviation Administration. Previously, he was the President of Ruud Lighting, which was later acquired by Cree, Inc. Beyond his corporate achievements, Ruud is an active investor in various businesses across the country and serves as a board member for Armis Biopharma.
Committed to community engagement, Ruud is the President of the Ruud Family Foundation and serves on the boards of Forward Racine and RAMAC. He is also a member of the executive and finance committee of The Prairie School.
About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in Malibu, California. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Pepperdine is committed to both the relentless pursuit of truth through academic and scholarly excellence and to embodying Christian faith and values. With students at the heart of the educational enterprise, the University prepares approximately 9,500 scholars for lives of purpose, service, and leadership across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College, the College of Health Science, and four graduate schools—the Caruso School of Law, the Graziadio Business School, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Follow Pepperdine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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