Su Oh Named Chief Executive Officer

The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation announce the appointment of Su Oh as Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Oh will also become the CEO of the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation.

Oh brings more than three decades of experience in arts, culture and the entertainment industry to the Arboretum, including several managerial positions at the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) and The Recording Academy. Oh also has extensive experience managing educational and community engagement programs, securing and overseeing significant grants from major donors and non-profits, and implementing strategic initiatives.

Oh was selected after a nationwide search and Annette Castro Ramirez, President of the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees said she was confident that Oh “will further elevate the Arboretum's mission and strengthen our public-private partnership with the County of Los Angeles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Su Oh as the new CEO of the LA Arboretum Foundation. Her proven ability to drive innovation and foster collaboration will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the Arboretum’s role as a beloved local resource and a national leader in conservation, education, and community outreach,” said Castro Ramirez. “I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Tim Lindsay, who served as our interim CEO over the past six months. His steady leadership ensured that the Arboretum continued to thrive during this transition, and we are deeply appreciative of his commitment and expertise in keeping our operations running smoothly.”

“The Arboretum draws more than 550,000 annual visitors, is one of LA County Parks’ jewels, and for many families of all economic and cultural backgrounds, this is their first opportunity to explore a rich botanic and cultural history at its 127 acres of landscapes, plants, wildlife and historic buildings,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. “Su’s depth of community engagement work at Los Angeles organizations will benefit the Arboretum as it continues to expand outreach to school children, families and visitors. With Su’s leadership, the Arboretum and LA County Parks can advance their shared goals of environmental stewardship and education, inclusivity, and public engagement.”

The Arboretum, Oh said, is a place that holds cherished memories and milestones from her family’s many visits. She said she was deeply honored to now oversee the Arboretum’s rich botanic and cultural legacy, and to help ensure its future for the years ahead.

“As a vital green space near the San Gabriel Mountains, the Arboretum not only nurtures biodiversity but also provides essential health and wellness benefits, serving as a gathering place that connects people with nature and with each other,” said Oh. “I am excited to collaborate with our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners to expand the Arboretum’s leadership of nature-based education, climate resilience, and ecological stewardship. Together, we will inspire future generations, deepen our collective appreciation for the natural world, and ensure this treasured landscape continues to thrive for all to enjoy."

Oh, a native Angeleno, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of California at San Diego, and a Master’s Degree in Museum Education and Leadership from Bank Street College of Education.