California State Treasurer Fiona Ma Discusses Government's Role in Healthcare at Annual Future of Healthcare Symposium

On April 24, 2025, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School hosted the 10th annual ocusing on the theme 鈥淚nvesting in Health,鈥 the event invited top financial and healthcare leaders to discuss their views on emerging trends and investment strategies as well as the evolving dynamics of private and public investments that are shaping the future of healthcare. California鈥檚 34th state treasurer, Fiona Ma (MBA '00), served as the symposium鈥檚 keynote speaker and explored California Health Facilities Financing Authority programs that support healthcare innovation, infrastructure, and access.
President Jim Gash
To open the event, Pepperdine president Jim Gash (JD 鈥93) reflected on the vital role healthcare plays in shaping society and emphasized the importance of investing our collective time, efforts, and resources to advancing the industry. He noted that the mission of the symposium closely aligns with Pepperdine鈥檚 own values, sharing that the University鈥檚 founder, George Pepperdine, was a visionary businessman who prioritized creating a lasting, meaningful legacy over pursuing financial gain.
鈥淲hen we talk of usefulness in the world, when we speak of the good works we have been called to do鈥攂oth individually and as a community鈥攚e would be hard-pressed to find more meaningful or vital work than investing in the future of healthcare,鈥 said Gash. 鈥淭hose of you who are with us today care more about seeing their investments lead not only to profits but, more importantly, to the health of all generations. You are business people who know that the true purpose of investing is human flourishing.鈥
Deborah Crown
Deborah Crown, dean of the Graziadio Business School, also took the stage to welcome attendees, introduce the symposium鈥檚 speakers, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the leaders and innovators present鈥攊ndividuals committed to tackling healthcare鈥檚 most pressing challenges.
鈥淭his event has been at the forefront of highlighting and advancing business acumen and healthcare expertise, not just as a strategic alliance, but as the catalyst for transformative advancements that redefine the landscape of patient care, wellness, mental health, and even accessibility,鈥 shared Crown. 鈥淎s we navigate the intricate web of challenges and opportunities that characterize the business of healthcare, it becomes evident that the intersection of business and healthcare is not a mere crossroads鈥攊t is a nexus where innovative solutions thrive and the pursuit of excellence is intertwined with the well-being of individuals and communities.鈥
Fiona Ma and Gary Mangiofico
In a discussion moderated by Gary Mangiofico, executive professor of management and leadership at the Graziadio Business School, keynote speaker Ma discussed the role of the California Treasurer's office in healthcare financing. She highlighted the challenges of ensuring equitable funding in rural and underserved areas while also supporting the advancement of innovative healthcare technologies. Ma explained that the fundamental role of the government is to provide protections to its citizens, especially when they are at their most vulnerable.
鈥淚f all of a sudden the economy turns and you lose your job, then we in government have to pick up your unemployment insurance and your health care,鈥 Ma explained. 鈥淭hat's part of our mission. The government is a safety net trying to cover and provide those services and programs to those that are most in need鈥攖hose that have the most difficult time accessing those programs.鈥
Ma also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, legislative advocacy, and the need for comprehensive solutions to healthcare access and infrastructure. While underscoring the difficulties she frequently encounters as treasurer, Ma remains passionate about her work and finds deep fulfillment in dedicating her life to helping others.
鈥淩egardless of the challenges or obstacles we face, it鈥檚 incredibly rewarding to be able to help people and to make a difference in their lives,鈥 said Ma. 鈥淲e have the power to allocate money where the greatest needs are, and as public servants, it鈥檚 our obligation to focus on the public鈥檚 needs and to advocate for others. It is the reason I get up every day.鈥
For more information on this year鈥檚 symposium and to revisit prior events and speakers, visit the Future of Healthcare Symposium event page on the .