School of Public Policy Appoints Peter Pirnejad as Executive Director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership
Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peter Pirnejad, ICMA-CM, as the new executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership.
In this uniquely positioned role, Pirnejad will engage outwardly with local government practitioners through the continuation and expansion of the civic engagement certificate trainings and conference offerings while also focusing internally on preparing SPP students for careers in municipal leadership. This distinctive responsibility includes teaching and mentoring those enrolled in SPP’s Master of Public Policy state and local government policy curricular track. Through these initiatives, Pirnejad will ensure the consistency and integrity of the institute’s strategic vision.
“I am incredibly excited to begin this next chapter of my career at Pepperdine,” says Pirnejad. “One of my greatest passions is helping emerging leaders develop the skills, judgment, and ethical foundation needed to navigate today’s complex public service environment. Serving as executive director of the Davenport Institute represents an opportunity to bring practical, real-world experience into the classroom and into the broader conversation about public leadership, governance, and civic engagement.”
Bringing more than 27 years of experience in local government, public administration, and civic leadership, Pirnejad will serve as a pivotal addition to the school’s administrative leads. Along with an extensive résumé of city management and senior leadership roles in local governments across central and southern California, including a strong presence in Silicon Valley, he currently serves as president of Cal-IMCA for the 2025–26 term. While holding board and advisory roles within several technology companies and funds, he also supports the Santa Clara County City Managers’ Leadership Academy and frequents as a visiting lecturer for Stanford University and the University of California, Los Angeles.
“I'm so excited for Peter to take on the leadership role of the Davenport Institute,” says Pete Peterson (MPP '07), dean of the School of Public Policy. “With his extensive local government background and passion for public engagement and government innovation, the kinds of new educational programs he's designing in municipal government leadership for the institute will be both timely and groundbreaking.”
A recognized advocate for innovation in government, Pirnejad has received numerous awards for advancing sustainability, governance, collaboration, and the effective use of technology in the public sector. He holds a bachelor of arts in environmental studies and geography from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and both a master’s degree and doctorate in policy, planning, and development from the University of Southern California.
“As local governments face increasing complexity, polarization, and rising public expectations, the need for strong civic leadership and effective governance has never been greater. I am excited to lead and support emerging and experienced practitioners as well as elected officials as they commit to careers of public service, while advancing the Davenport Institute’s long-standing mission to convene, educate, and equip leaders who serve the public good.”