THE AGE OF AI
MARCH 12, 2026
Pepperdine University Malibu, California
WELCOME
Welcome to the 2026 Future of Healthcare Symposium—Advances in Technology and Healthcare: The Age of AI.
Building on a decade of progress, this year’s symposium arrives at a defining moment in human history. As we enter the “Age of AI,” we find ourselves at the intersection of unprecedented technological capability and the enduring human mission of care. At the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, we believe that navigating this new frontier requires more than just technical expertise; it requires purpose-driven leaders who can harness innovation to make a meaningful, responsible impact on a global scale.
The 2026 symposium explores how artificial intelligence, real-time data analytics, and digital transformation are reshaping the business and delivery of healthcare. We are delighted to welcome an exceptional lineup
of speakers—from world-renowned tech strategists to executives from UCLA Health and Amgen. Together, we will examine how organizations can move beyond the “hype” to operationalize AI in ways that strengthen resilience, accelerate decision-making, and, most importantly, improve the business of healthcare.
Guided by the entrepreneurial spirit of our founders, George Pepperdine and George L. Graziadio, Jr., we invite you to engage deeply with today’s sessions. This is your opportunity to connect with industry titans, challenge your assumptions, and actively participate in the dialogue that will define the next decade of healthcare leadership.
Thank you for joining us for this transformative event. We look forward to an inspiring and thought-provoking day!
We would like to thank the Graziadio Board Healthcare Symposium Committee for its tremendous leadership in creating today’s event.
Steve R. Calvillo
Patrick Khoury, MBA ’96
Darren W. Lee
Gary L. Mangiofico
Amy Towner, MBA ’18, PKE 139
TIME SESSION
AGENDA
10:30 am Registration and Career Networking Fair (Refreshments will be available)
Noon Welcome
12:05 pm Opening Remarks
12:15 pm Special Remarks
12:20 pm Keynote Address (Live Virtual Session)
SPEAKER
1:30 pm Panel Discussion
Jim Gash, JD ’93 President and Chief Executive Officer Pepperdine University
Deborah Crown Dean Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
John Figueroa, MBA ’97
Senior Advisor to the Secretary US Department of Veterans Affairs
Former Acting under Secretary for Health US Department of Veterans Affairs
Shelly Palmer CEO, The Palmer Group
Peter Eskander Director of Supply Chain End-to-End Digital Transformation, Amgen
Shawn Lin
Medical Director
UCLA Health-Calabasas Stein Eye Center
Associate Program Director
UCLA Health-Ophthalmology Residency Division of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Billie Jo Nutter
Operating Partner, HCAP Partners Advisory Board Member, Neurosteer
MODERATOR:
Amy Towner, MBA ’18, PKE 139 CEO, Health Care Foundation for Ventura County Member, Graziadio Board
2:45 pm Closing Remarks Amy Towner
3 pm Program Concludes
Deborah Crown Dean Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
SPECIAL REMARKS
John G. Figueroa, MBA ’97
Senior Advisor to the Secretary US Department of Veterans Affairs
Former Acting Under Secretary for Health US Department of Veterans Affairs
KEYNOTE
Shelly Palmer Chief Executive Officer The Palmer Group
Jim Gash, JD ’93
President and Chief Executive Officer Pepperdine University
PANEL MODERATOR
Amy Towner, MBA ’18, PKE 139
Chief Executive Officer
Health Care Foundation for Ventura County Member Graziadio Board
PANELISTS
Peter Eskander
Director of Supply Chain
End-to-End Digital Transformation Amgen
Shawn Lin
Medical Director
UCLA Health-Calabasas Stein Eye Center
Associate Program Director
UCLA Health-Ophthalmology
Residency Division of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Billie Jo Nutter
Operating Partner
HCAP Partners
Advisory Board Member Neurosteer
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PLATINUM
AnewHealth
George & Reva Graziadio Foundation
SILVER
Apotheco Pharmacy Group
CarepathRx
BRONZE
UCLA Health
OTHER
Larraine Segil
We wish to honor the
for its role as the founding benefactor of the Future of Healthcare Symposium.
The foundation’s vision and early generosity established this forum as a hallmark of the Graziadio School, creating a lasting legacy that continues to inspire our work today.
We are proud to be a sponsor of the
P EPPERDINE G
RAZIADIO
B USINESS S CHOOL’S 2026
FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE SYMPOSIUM
and to continue the legacy at Pepperdine that our parents began many years ago.
We look forward to the many visionary and pioneering initiatives to come.
UCLA
Health proudly sponsors
PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY’S
11th Annual Future of Healthcare Symposium
With the addition of UCLA West Valley Medical Center, UCLA Health now operates five hospitals and more than 280 clinics, offering exceptional health care, close to home.
the AI Revolution
At Pepperdine Graziadio, artificial intelligence is treated as an essential leadership competency rather than a standalone subject. Across analytics, human resources, and MBA programs for working professionals, AI as a tool is embedded into the development process of leaders.
HOW GRAZIADIO IS LEADING
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EXPAND YOUR Career Possibilities in the Business of Healthcare
Expand your career possibilities by combining the power of Pepperdine’s Part-Time MBA with the newly launched Healthcare Management specialization—a program designed to serve as your gateway to gaining a competitive edge in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
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Purpose in Every Pulse
Make a profound difference in the life of every patient
The Pepperdine University College of Health Science offers a world-class education for the next generation of healthcare providers.
Through rigorous coursework and clinical training under the instruction of experienced faculty and healthcare practitioners, students are prepared for careers in a broad range of medical professions to meet the demands of the growing healthcare field.
School of Speech-Language Pathology
f Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
School of Nursing
f Bachelor of Science in Nursing (4-Year and 2-Year Pathways)
f Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader
Coming soon, the School of Physician Assistant Studies. See our website for more information about developing degree programs.
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Lead with Purpose at Pepperdine
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School offers top-ranked graduate degree programs tailored to your career stage and interests whether you’re a rising professional or a seasoned executive.
Our Graduate Programs
f Master of Business Administration
f Master of Science Specialty Degree Programs
f Online Bachelor of Science in Management Degree Completion Program
f Executive MBA
f Presidents and Key Executives MBA
f Executive Doctor of Business Administration
IGNITE YOUR SUCCESS WITH
Pepperdine’s Executive Education
Pepperdine’s Executive Education programs offer nondegree coursework that focuses on current topics and industry trends, enriching your knowledge and business skills for continued professional success.
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2025 MOST FUNDABLE COMPANIES IN HEALTHCARE!
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of this year’s winners—early-stage startups leading the way in innovation and impact. Selected from more than 2,300 applicants across all 50 states, these companies have demonstrated exceptional potential for growth, investment readiness, and healthcare industry transformation.
Microvascular Therapeutics, Inc.
Industry: Pharmaceutical
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Siren Biotechnology, Inc.
Industry: Biotechnology
Location: San Francisco, California
Founders: Nicole Paulk
Website: sirenbiotechnology.com
About: Siren Biotechnology is pioneering the world’s first Universal AAV Immuno-Gene Therapy platform for cancer, bringing scalable, live-saving therapies to millions.
Somnair, Inc.
Industry: Medical Device
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Founder: Anders Sideris, Mitchell Turley, Shri Prabha Shivram, Phoebe Dijour Website: somnairsleep.com
About: Somnair is developing the first wearable noninvasive neurostimulation oral appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea, offering a safe, effective alternative to improve patient sleep health.
Founders: Evan Unger Website: mvtpharma.com
About: Microvascular Therapeutics develops patented ultrasound microbubble and nanobubble platforms, targeting multibillion-dollar cardiovascular, oncology, and neurology markets by transforming ultrasound from diagnostic imaging to cure.
Scarlet by RedDrop (RedDrop, Inc.)
Industry: Wellness
Location: Compton, California
Founders: Monica Williams, Dana Roberts, Jarrod Shaw Website: tryscarlet.com
About: Scarlet by RedDrop creates puberty care products and education for tweens and teens, serving families, schools, and retailers with proven traction, profitability, and national growth.
Mela Vitamins, Inc.
Industry: Wellness
Location: Playa Del Rey, California
Founders: Ashley Harmon Website: melavitamins.com
About: Mela Vitamins is building the first wellness brand designed for people of color, addressing a $16B market gap with science-backed supplements.
HUMAN-CENTERED AI
bschool.pepperdine.edu/healthcare