Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden has hired a new Chief Executive Officer named Dr. Mark Wourms. Wourms has a B.S. degree in botany from Ohio University, a Ph.D. in ecology and animal behavior from Boston University, and a certificate in business administration from New York University. He recently left the Kansas City Zoo, where he had been the zoo director since 1992.
Santa Anita Park on Verge of new era. New Santa Anita Park Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Verge will re-institute its "Free Fridays" promotion. Starting this Friday and every Friday for the rest of the meet, all fans will be given free grandstand admission and the price for hot dogs, sodas and beer will be cut to $2. Previous CEO Greg Avioli resigned earlier this month.
Santa Anita Park's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Verge, 44, a horse owner and entrepreneur, has big plans for the race track. He wants to expand its fan base, partly by reaching out to the local Asian community and to locals who grew up attending the track during the sport's heyday. While Santa Anita Park President George Haines is still running day-to-day operations, Verge will focus on bringing in more people, including celebrities, like actor Vince Vaughn.
Mark Wourms, CEO of the Arboretum, says the Arboretum is trying to meet the needs of its demographics. A new activity area called the Children's Discovery Node will open tomorrow featuring a large earthen turtle (or rabbit) and a scented maze of lavender and rosemary.
Richard Schulhof is the top candidate in the search for executive director of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. His salary will be $117,000, plus an annual supplement of $52, 935, plus an annual performance bonus of up to $10,000. The supplement and bonus will be paid by the nonprofit Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation. He is the former executive director of Descanso Gardens. He replaces Mark Wuorms.
After using the name "Arboretum of Los Angeles" for 55 years, the Arboretum has been given permission to use the name Los Angeles County Botanic Garden. Hopefully the new name will increase attendance.
Los Angeles County Arboretum CEO Richard Schulhof, 65, to retire in late spring, after 14 years of leading the acclaimed horticultural site in Arcadia. New CEO expected this summer. See hard copy in VF.
Los Angeles County Arboretum celebrates 75th anniversary with an Arboretum Foundation fundraiser event honoring Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger for her ongoing support. The event raised $241,000 for the education programs and care of the 125 acre Arboretum gardens and landmark structures. Also in attendance Michael Desplaines, CEO of the Arboretum, Susan Kranwinkle, Annette Castro Ramirez, and Pamela Hillings Tegtmeyer (all in photos).
Forest bathing is the latest thing to do at the Arboretum in Arcadia. It is a new program for people to immerse themselves among trees and leave the mind, body and soul at ease.
Peter Atkine, Chief Executive Officer of the Arboretum, has told the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees that he will resign as of July 1.
Supervisor Mike Antonovich has proposed a name change for the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The new name will be the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Tour guide and peafowl expert Nelson Holmes is shown in photo. Currently, there are no safeguards protecting the Arboretum peafowl from Exotic Newcastle Disease.
Los Angeles County Arboretum selects new CEO, Michael Desplaines. He has more than two decades of experience in historic property development and restoration, public garden management, environmental education and fundraising. He begins in July. He previously served as president and CEO of the Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia. He replaces Richard Schulhof, who retired after 14 years as CEO.
Community meetings will be held to determine public preference on the name for the Arboretum. The County prefers that the facility be called Botanic Garden.
California Philharmonic Orchestra officials held a press conference and said they do not know why the county decided to end a 15-year run of concerts at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden with them. The press conference was held at Cal Phil's new office in Arcadia. In attendance were Cal Phil founder and Music Director Victor Vener, his son Andre Vener (the orchestra's CEO), Robert W. Miller (member of the Cal Phil board), Michael Arnold (principal clarinetist), Barbara Hicks (volunteer) and 20 protesters who had picketed at the Arboretum, in reaction to the ouster of the orchestra.