Pepperdine University Mourns the Passing of School of Public Policy Adjunct Professor and Senior Fellow Joel Fox
With heavy hearts, the School of Public Policy announces the passing of Joel Fox, who was a beloved member of the graduate school as both an adjunct professor and senior fellow. Fox’s impact on the SPP community was profound. With decades of public service, teaching, and mentorship, Fox left an indelible mark on students, faculty, and the broader Pepperdine community.
“I’m so saddened by this news. Joel has been an important part of our state and local programming for two decades, and a beloved teacher by his hundreds of students,” said Pete Peterson, dean of the School of Public Policy. “I’ll miss him as a friend and advisor who always had creative program ideas. May his memory be a blessing.”
Joel Fox on conference panel with former CA State Sen. Bob Hertzberg
Drawing on decades of involvement in California politics, Fox brought to SPP a rare breadth of insight, experience, and leadership. He was known not only for his deep policy knowledge but for his ability to engage thoughtfully with people across the political spectrum. Fox believed that disagreement itself could be productive. He approached political differences with warmth and curiosity, modeling a style of engagement rooted in respect rather than division.
Throughout his career, Fox worked with leaders and institutions across political parties and administrations, serving as a trusted advisor, consultant, and commissioner at both the state and local levels.
Fox served as founder and president of the Small Business Action Committee from 2003 to 2017, where he advocated on behalf of small businesses on critical political issues. He also operated Joel Fox Consulting, a public affairs and political consulting firm. Prior to starting the firm in January 1999, Fox worked for the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association for 19 years, serving as the association’s president from 1986 to 1998.
From 2008 to 2020, Fox was co-publisher and editor-in-chief of Fox and Hounds Daily, a leading California publication that focused on the integration of politics and business. Lauded as a top California political website by The Washington Post, Fox and Hounds Daily grew as a trusted source of commentary and insight for millions of readers.
He also published in major national and regional outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Bee, CALmatters, National Review Online, and many others.
Fox had a significant influence on the California political landscape throughout his career, ranging from supporting ballot measures such as the 1996 “Right to Vote on Taxes” Proposition 218 to serving as policy director for Richard Riordan's run for California governor in 2001. As the senior policy consultant, Fox helped Arnold Schwarzenegger win the gubernatorial seat in the famed 2003 recall election.
Between 1993 and 2004, Fox was appointed Commissioner to 6 state-lead initiatives, consulted on the California Commission on Tax Policy in the New Economy, and was engaged in two local government commissions.
In his free time, Fox wrote novels. They included Lincoln’s Hand (2010), FDR’s Treasure (2013), and The Mark on Eve (2015).
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Fox remained deeply committed to teaching. He served as an adjunct professor at SPP since 2006 and was named a senior fellow in 2025. Through his mentorship of countless students and deep expertise in state and local politics, Fox made a lasting impact not only on SPP but across the University.
Fox distinguished himself as dependable and deeply committed to showing up for colleagues and friends. Consistent in his sense of humor, Fox brought warmth and ease into even the most serious conversations. He prioritized service, dedicating himself to the public and the communities around him. These qualities made him not only a respected public figure but a genuinely kind and generous presence within the Pepperdine community.
Joel Fox at SPP Commencement Ceremony
“Joel was respected and loved by everyone who knew him because his defining passion was his love for people and for California. He spent his life trying to preserve a future for both," shared Mike Shires, former vice dean for strategy and special projects and an associate professor of public policy at SPP, and longtime friend of Joel’s. "Because of that legacy, he was able to bring very different people together around common purposes. America has lost not only a great defender of the common man, but a great friend, teacher, and visionary Californian who worked hard to be a champion for those whose voices were drowned out by special interests.”
In the Fall of 2024, Fox, along with political campaign consultant Dan Schnur, taught the elective Political Communications to graduate policy students. Building off the course curriculum, Fox and Schnur released “Surfing Political Waves,” a short-series podcast with the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, where Fox interviewed various special guests on topics related to journalism, polling, and demographics in the 2024 election. The content remains available to the public.