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

Karl Swaidan, Chair
Sandra Mays, Vice Chair
Scott Sugino, Treasurer
Laura Furey, Secretary
Milene Apanian
Ara Aslanian
Dimple Bhasin
Diane Binney
William Choi
Brian Diamond
Paige Farmer
Blythe Haaga Parker
Jane Haderlein
Christy Hobart
Lovell Holder
Wendy Lees
Sandra Mays
Ian McCarthy
Colleen McGuiness
Ann Murphy
Laura Olhasso
Patsy Pinney
Linda Segal
Hope Tschopik Schneider
Brad Schwartz
Richard Schulhoff
George Strong
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

Keith Chandler
Director of Guest Experience

Marina Erfle
Director of Education and Exhibitions

Jennifer Errico
Director of Communications and Membership

Kelly Fernandez
Director of Horticulture and Facilities