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
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