Jeremy S. Pepper

Summary

Jeremy Pepper is a high-impact communications leader with over two decades of experience navigating complex reputation management, crisis communications, and high-growth technology narratives. Currently serving as a Director of Communications at the University of Southern California, he orchestrates strategic messaging for university-wide challenges, managing 22 dotted-line reports and partnering with legal counsel on high-stakes cybersecurity and student health issues. His tenure is marked by a 100% increase in favorable coverage within one year and recognition as one of PRovoke Media’s 25 Innovators in the Americas. Beyond higher education, Jeremy operates Communimatic, a specialized consultancy where he has driven thought leadership for agentic AI firms, secured Washington Post placements, and led stakeholder communications for VC-backed shutdowns. His background spans the full spectrum of B2B and B2C communications, from launching SAP-backed startups to scaling social media playbooks for Farmers Insurance and leading early social media initiatives at Weber Shandwick for brands like Cisco and GM. He excels at bridging the gap between technical innovation and public perception, making him an ideal hire for organizations requiring a steady hand in crisis, a sophisticated analyst relations strategy, or a visionary approach to executive thought leadership in the AI and fintech sectors.

Expertise

Experience

• Director, Communications

  01/2018 – 11/2025

  University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA

  Orchestrate strategic communications and issues management for university-wide challenges focusing on reputation enhancement and crisis management.

  • Coordinated 22 dotted-line communications reports on crisis and issues matters, drafting statements in concert with general counsel.
  • Shifted institutional sentiment from negative to positive within one year, producing a 100% increase in favorable coverage.
  • Named PRovoke Media 25 Innovators Americas 2021 for student media engagement.
  • Partnered with CIO and CISO on cybersecurity communications, including crisis scripts and FAQs.

• Consultant (Sole Practitioner)

  07/2009 – Present

  Communimatic · Los Angeles, CA

  Operate an integrated consultancy providing high-level communications strategy for technology, finance, and consumer brands.

  • Drove thought leadership campaign for agentic AI defense technology executive, resulting in Washington Post placement.
  • Led full stakeholder communications strategy for a VC-directed portfolio company shutdown, containing press coverage to a single article.
  • Scaled Farmers Insurance individual agent page growth by more than 33% via social media playbooks and A/B testing.
  • Launched SAP-backed enterprise startup ADAZA, crafting positioning and analyst outreach from the ground up.

• Director of Public Relations and Analyst Relations (Contract)

  06/2016 – 12/2016

  Mojo Networks · Mountain View, CA

  Executed rolling thunder strategy syncing media, analyst relations, and marketing.

  • Drove ten-fold increase in brand visibility among enterprise tech reporters and influencers.

Education

• University of Arizona · Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy
• University of South Florida, Muma College of Business · Professional Certificates, Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, Ethical Leadership · 2023