About

our mission

“Descanso Gardens is a unique Southern California landscape distinguished by its specialized botanic collections, historical significance, and rare natural beauty. Our mission is to practice exemplary stewardship of Descanso’s distinctive character and assets; offer people an experience close to nature; and cultivate understanding of the natural world and people’s place in it through inspiration, education, and example.”

Governance

The Gardens are operated by the Descanso Gardens Guild, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in a public-private partnership with Los Angeles County. The annual budget of $15 million is funded by memberships, philanthropic gifts, fees, and support from Los Angeles County.

Board of Trustees

Donald Voss, Chair
Sandra Mays, Vice Chair
Laura Furey, Secretary
Jim Levin, Treasurer

Milene Apanian
Jennifer Kuo Baxter
Dr. Dimple Bhasin
Diane Binney
Darcy Coleman
John D’Angona
Lovell Holder
Lola James Kelly
Kay Linden
Ben Logan
Peggy Miller
Blythe Haaga Parker
Patsy Pinney
Marie Queen
Brad Schwartz
Linda Segal
Karl Swaidan
Clarissa Weirick
Juliann Rooke, (Ex Officio Trustee) Executive Director, Descanso Gardens

Financial Information

2021 Annual Report
2021 Form 990
2021 Audited Financial Statements
2020 Annual Report/ Audited Financial Statements
2020 Form 990
2019 Form 990
2019 Audited Financial Statements
2018 Annual Report
2018 Form 990
2018 Audited Financial Statements
2017 Annual Report
2017 Financial Statements 

Our Senior Leadership
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Juliann Rooke
Executive Director

David Stork
Chief Operations Officer

Jenina Garrett
Chief Financial Officer

Somer Sherwood-White
Director of Advancement

David Bare
Director of Horticulture and Garden Operations

Emi Yoshimura
Director of Education

Cristeen Martinez
Director of Membership and Guest Experience