2025 Speakers
Fiona Ma, CPA (MBA '00)
Fireside Chat Keynote
State Treasurer
California
Fiona Ma, CPA, is California’s 34th State Treasurer, first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022 with a record-breaking vote count. She is the first woman of color and the first CPA to hold the position. As the state’s primary banker, she oversees a $200 billion investment portfolio and processes over $3 trillion in banking transactions annually. Her office provides financing for critical infrastructure, including schools, housing, and healthcare. Treasurer Ma also serves as the agent of sale for all state bonds, ensuring transparency and oversight of California’s investments and surplus funds.
Gary Mangiofico, PhD
Fireside Chat Moderator
Executive Professor of Management and Leadership
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
Dr. Gary L. Mangiofico is an Executive Professor of Leadership and Management at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and Academic Director of the MS in Organization Development program. A recognized thought leader in organizational change, Dr. Mangiofico brings decades of experience leading strategic transformation across the healthcare and education sectors, including executive roles at Johnson & Johnson, Apria Healthcare, and LA Universal Preschool. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the global Organization Development Network and has received numerous awards for leadership and service, including a Special Congressional Commendation. With deep expertise in complex change, healthcare strategy, and organizational development, Dr. Mangiofico is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, having delivered over 300 workshops and keynotes worldwide.
Justin Blackhall
Panel Speaker
Finance Counsel
American Lending Center
Founding Member and Partner
Blackhall, P.C.
Justin Blackhall is the founding partner of Blackhall, P.C. and has played a key leadership role at American Lending Center since 2015. With deep expertise in complex financing transactions, risk management, and lending compliance, he has helped transform the organization into a nationally recognized, innovative non-bank lender. In partnership with Sunstone Cities—a mission-driven platform providing flexible, low-cost capital for hospital infrastructure and community-based health projects—Justin delivers customized financing solutions that align with hospitals’ operational and strategic goals.
Michael Muntner
Panel Speaker
Partner
Centerview Partners
Michael Muntner has over 25 years of investment banking experience and is a highly regarded strategic advisor to healthcare services companies and private equity firms. Over his career, he has advised on over $350 billion in transactions, including some of the largest healthcare services deals ever. Michael joined Centerview in 2016 to establish its healthcare services practice after 16 years at Credit Suisse, where he served as Co-Head of the Healthcare Group in the Americas. He was also Vice President of Strategic Planning at Hanger Orthopedic Group and began his career in healthcare investment banking at Alex Brown.
Michael Rimland
Panel Speaker
Partner
Goldman Sachs
Michael Rimland is the global head of Healthcare Services Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs and a member of the Investment Banking Senior Leadership Council. Since joining the firm as a managing director in 2006 and being named partner in 2008, Michael has built a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years. His expertise lies in advising companies and leading transformative transactions within the healthcare services sector, making him a key figure in shaping the industry’s financial landscape.
John Paglia, PhD
Panel Moderator
Professor of Finance
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
Dr. John K. Paglia is a Professor of Finance at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, where he has served in numerous leadership roles, including Senior Associate Dean and founding director of the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project. A nationally recognized expert in small business financing, private capital, and valuation, Dr. Paglia has advised private equity and venture funds, testified before the U.S. Congress, and been featured in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Bloomberg. He currently serves on the boards of Simulations Plus (NASDAQ: SLP) and Aeluma Inc. (NASDAQ: ALMU), is a Pepperdine Most Fundable Company Advisory Council member, actively advises startups, and holds CPA, CFA and NACD.DC designations.
John Figueroa (MBA '97)
Special Closing Remarks
Senior Advisor to the Secretary
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
John Figueroa is a visionary healthcare leader with 35 years of experience in pharmacy services, hospital supply chain logistics, and healthcare innovation. He founded and led CarepathRx, driving major transactions with Anthem and Cigna while advancing long-term in-home care. Previously, as CEO of Genoa Healthcare, he expanded operations to 425 pharmacies, growing revenue to $2 billion before its sale to UnitedHealth Group. His leadership also includes roles as CEO of Apria Healthcare and Omnicare, as well as President of McKesson’s U.S. Pharmaceutical Group. A former U.S. Army Ranger, he now serves as Distinguished Visiting Faculty and Endowed Chair at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.