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
Dr. Dimple Bhasin
Diane Binney
Darcy Coleman
John D’Angona
Christy Hobart
Laura Furey
Lola James Kelly
Wendy Lees
Ben Logan
Ian McCarthy
Ann Murphy
Blythe Haaga Parker
Patsy Pinney
Jim Levin
Steven Rosen, M.D.
Donald Voss
Linda Segal
Karl Swaidan
Hope Tschopik Schneider
Jacob Tujian
Clarissa Weirick
Juliann Rooke, (Ex Officio) Chief Executive Officer, Descanso Gardens
Senior Leadership
Juliann Rooke
Chief Executive Officer
Emi Yoshimura
Chief Operations & Administration Officer
Somer Sherwood-White
Chief Advancement Officer
David Bare
Director of Horticulture and Garden Operations
Jennifer Errico
Director of Communications
Cristeen Martinez
Director of Membership and Guest Experience
STAFF PICK
The cool Japanese Garden in summer
One of my favorite spots in the garden? The cool shade of the Japanese Garden in summer.
JULIANN ROOKE, CEO