Leadership

Governance

The gardens are operated by the Descanso Gardens Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in a public-private partnership with Los Angeles County. The annual budget of $17 million is funded by memberships, philanthropic gifts, fees, and support from Los Angeles County.

Board of Directors

Brad Schwartz, Chair
Sandra Mays, Vice Chair
Lovell Holder, Secretary
Marie Queen, Treasurer
Milene Apanian
Ara Aslanian
Dr. Dimple Bhasin
Diane Binney
Darcy Coleman
John D’Angona
Laura Furey
Christy Hobart
Lola James Kelly
Wendy Lees
Jim Levin
Ben Logan
Ian McCarthy
Ann Murphy
Blythe Haaga Parker
Patsy Pinney
Steven Rosen, M.D.
Hope Tschopik Schneider
Linda Segal
Karl Swaidan
Jacob Tujian
Donald Voss
Clarissa Weirick
Juliann Rooke, (Ex Officio) Chief Executive Officer, Descanso Gardens

Senior Leadership

Juliann Rooke
Chief Executive Officer

Emi Yoshimura
Chief Operations and Administration Officer

Somer Sherwood-White
Chief Advancement Officer

David Bare
Director of Horticulture and Garden Operations

Marina Erfle
Director of Exhibitions

Jennifer Errico
Director of Communications

Cristeen Martinez
Director of Exhibits and Engagement

Lina Swislocki
Director of Education and Public Programs