Michael Friel

Michael Friel is the Senior Director of Communications and Public Relations at Pepperdine University, a position held since March 2023. Prior to this, Friel served as Vice President of Media Communications at Alliance Defending Freedom from February 2020 to May 2022. Friel has extensive experience in public affairs, having spent over 14 years at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where roles included Acting Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Assistant Commissioner overseeing communications for the largest federal law enforcement agency. Earlier career experience includes positions at Foy & Associates, the U.S. Marine Corps as a Public Affairs Officer, and Westmont College as an Admissions Counselor. Friel holds a BA in Communication from Westmont College and has attended the Harvard Kennedy School and the American University for specialized programs.