Leadership & Board of Trustees
The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) are governed through a public-private partnership, composed of dedicated individuals serving on our Board of Trustees and the County-appointed Commission of the Board of Governors. Together, the Executive Leadership Team and the Board work to champion the museums' vision, protect the collections, and carry out their strategic goals.
Executive Leadership
The Executive Leadership Team works to advance the museums' strategic priorities—to commit to principles of accessibility and engagement, and to become a hub for discoveries and dialogue around critical issues of global significance and local impact.
The Executive Leadership Team collaborates with the Board of Trustees, various government agencies, private entities and foundations, along with over 480 NHMLAC employees, to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds.
Board of Trustees 2023-2024
The Board of Trustees serves to support all aspects of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC).
Currently consisting of 15 Governors, elected by the County Board of Supervisors, and 25 museum-elected Trustees, the Board works as a cohesive team with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure the missions and values of NHMLAC are upheld, and that the museums fulfill their roles as, of, for, and with L.A.
* Denotes members of the Board of Governors
Stacey Armato*
Anissa Balson
Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Museum
Michelle Black
Esther chui Chao
Heather de Roos, President of the Board of trustees
Susan Dever*
Charlene Dimas-Peinado*
Nancy Edwards
Alan Epstein
Shannon Faulk, CHAIR of the Board
William M. Garland, III
Karen A. Hoffman
Michael Jones
Curtis C. Jung*, President of the Board of Governors
Deborah Kallick*
rita kampalath*
Rick Keller
Alexander KeNDALL
Naomi Nakagama Kurata
Vince Lawler*
Margaret Levy*
Joseph Lumarda*
Walter N. Marks*
Gregg Martin
Megan McGowan epstein, vice president of the Board of trustees
Diane G. Medina*
Richard Moss
Noramae R. Munster*
Kathleen patterson, President of the alliance
Joan Payden
Jenna Perlstein
Marty Preciado*
Robert Procop
Naomi Rainey-Pierson*
Mikaela J. Randolph*
Peter Scranton
Jeff Stibel
Sheldon Stone
Jun Xu
Life Trustees
From time to time the Board chooses to appoint former Trustees to the position of Life Trustee to recognize past service and to encourage continuing relationships with the museums.
Each Life Trustee is invited to attend meetings of the Board, but they do not vote.