These Appointments Reflect GLAZA’S Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion at All Levels of the Organization
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), the nonprofit organization that provides financial support for animal welfare, animal species conservation, capital projects, Learning & Engagement, community outreach programs, and marketing at the Los Angeles Zoo, has appointed seven new trustees to its Board of Trustees in fiscal year 2020-21. This group of Los Angeles-based professionals underscores GLAZA’s commitment to creating a board that reflects the community it serves by engaging those with a diverse set of experiences, expertise, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
“Our long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion starts with our board, as we continue our work to make sure it represents the range of talent, ideas, identities, and cultures that make up Los Angeles,” states GLAZA President Tom Jacobson. “With more women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ representation than at any time in GLAZA’s history, these new Trustees also bring unique perspectives from a range of industries that are vitally important to the economy and cultural landscape of Los Angeles – from entertainment and sports to public advocacy,” Jacobson goes on to say.
The current board comprises 41 volunteers from the Los Angeles community and continues to actively recruit trustees to assist with policy making, fundraising, and fiduciary oversight of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. As part of the nominating process, each candidate meets with the board affairs committee, GLAZA President, and CEO and Zoo Director Denise Verret. The board is active in raising funds for capital projects, conservation programs, including funding the director of conservation role currently held by Dr. Jake Owens, and other strategic initiatives.
“One of our main objectives this past year was to grow the board, not only in number but in community representation, so we are excited to have made good progress towards this goal while working within the constraints placed on us during the pandemic,” states outgoing GLAZA Board of Trustees Chair Beth Price. “This new group brings a deep appreciation for the Zoo and its commitment to education, enrichment, and conservation and are eager to serve and further its mission,” Price goes on to say.
NEW BOARD APPOINTEES
Courtney Appell is the COO at The Artemis Agency. She brings a decade of experience connecting the needs of the entertainment community and the social sector to create high-impact charitable campaigns and program strategy for numerous high-profile clients.
Vivian Chow is the Managing Director of Banking within Private Wealth Management at US Bank and oversees the Greater LA/OC offices. She is also a long-time board member of the Ketchum YMCA of Downtown Los Angeles. Chow and US Bank have been long-time supporters of the Learning & Engagement programs at the Los Angeles Zoo.
Alfred Fraijo Jr. is a partner at Sheppard Mullin LLP and represents private and nonprofit organizations pursuing complex land disposition and development throughout California. Fraijo is the founder of Inclusive Action for the City (formerly Leadership for Urban Renewal Network), a community development organization dedicated to research, advocacy and economic development initiatives that uplift low-income communities and small businesses. He serves as president on the board of the Friends of the Hollywood Freeway Central Park. He is also an Executive Board Member of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate.
Patricia McKenna is a principal and portfolio manager with Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management, a $30 billion institutional asset management firm headquartered in Los Angeles. She is also a trustee of the Ahmanson Foundation and the Dan Murphy Foundation and a member of the board of the LA Opera as well as vice chair of SIEPR, the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.
Naomi Rodriguez is vice president of external affairs and community relations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In this role, she oversees the team’s philanthropic, government, and community outreach efforts. Last year she was honored as Sport Business Journal’s 2020 class of Game Changers: Women in Sports Business.
Osborne “Oz” Scott is an award-winning television, theatrical, and motion picture director. He currently serves on the board of the Directors Guild of America and was appointed by the Mayor to the Cultural Heritage Commission for the City of Los Angeles in 2010 for a five-year term. He also served on the board of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science for ten years and on the Board of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC) for 17 years.
Matt Wilson is an investment analyst and director at Capital Group. He brings his leadership experience, financial acumen, and a global perspective to help GLAZA meet it financial goals over the next decade.