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, Board Chair
Sandra Mays, Vice Chair
Marie Queen, Treasurer
Lovell Holder, Secretary
Milene Apanian
Ara Aslanian
Dr. Dimple Bhasin
Dianne Binney
William Choi
Darcy Coleman
Paige Farmer
Laura Furey
Blythe Haaga-Parker
Jane Haderlein
Christy Hobart
Wendy Lees
Jim Levin
Ian McCarthy
Ann Murphy
Laura Olhasso
Patsy Pinney
Linda Segal
Hope Tschopik-Schneider
Scott Sugino
Karl Swaidan
Jacob Tujian
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

Lina Swislocki
Director of Education and Public Programs