The Pepperdine School of Public Policy announced on Apr. 14 that Daniel Klein, chief executive officer of Jewish Silicon Valley and a graduate from the class of 2012, has been selected as this year’s Distinguished Alumnus. Klein is recognized for his work in financial management, policy leadership, and service to both national and international Jewish organizations.
The award highlights the importance of ethical leadership and community impact among alumni. The school said Klein’s career demonstrates how public policy can be shaped across different sectors including government, finance, biomedical industries, and nonprofit organizations.
“For almost two decades since graduating SPP, Daniel has exemplified the kind of creative cross-sector leaders we prepare here. From time spent on Capitol Hill as a policy advisor to his private-sector successes in finance and biomedical industries to his recent service as a nonprofit CEO, Daniel demonstrates that public policy can be shaped in a variety of ways,” said Pete Peterson (MPP ’07), dean of the School of Public Policy. “In his current role as head of Jewish Silicon Valley, Daniel has also shown the virtue of courage in leading a vital civic organization through a period of significant challenges for the Jewish community. In what he’s accomplished, and how he’s done it, Daniel Klein is a true distinguished alumnus of our program.”
Klein joined Jewish Silicon Valley in January 2023 as chief philanthropy officer before being named CEO later that year. Under his leadership, the organization increased its visibility and expanded its impact supporting local communities.
He played an active role in advocating for Assembly Bill 715 by authoring an op-ed published in September 2025 that addressed antisemitism protections within California’s public schools. The bill was later signed into law after passing both chambers with support from various stakeholders.
Previously working more than six years in biomedical industries before shifting focus to mission-driven work within Jewish communities—including roles at American Israel Public Affairs Committee and Israel Bonds—Klein helped implement policies aimed at improving financial returns for California taxpayers through state-authorized bond purchases.
“It is a profound honor to be recognized by Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy with the Distinguished Alumnus award,” shared Klein. “In an era where moral clarity can be rare in leadership, receiving an honor rooted in ethical integrity is deeply meaningful. I remain committed to leading with purpose and dedicated service to both the Jewish community and the broader public.”