Yvette Lopez-Ledesma was named Tuesday as the inaugural executive director of the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation, where she will oversee fundraising, philanthropic partnerships and efforts to expand access to parks and recreation across the county.
Lopez-Ledesma will begin the position Nov. 1 as the foundation’s first full-time executive director, according to the foundation.
She brings 20 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, including 13 years focused on increasing access to parks and open space in Los Angeles County and other communities with high park needs, officials said.
“Yvette brings exactly the combination of leadership, experience and commitment to park equity that we envisioned for the LACPF’s first Executive Director,” foundation board Chair Joe Mendoza said.
Lopez-Ledesma most recently served as the Greening America’s Cities Community Fellow at Community Partners. She previously held leadership positions with Pacoima Beautiful and The Wilderness Society.
“I am grateful to the Board of the LA County Parks Foundation and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the Foundation’s inaugural Executive Director,” Lopez-Ledesma said. “In this role, I will continue working to increase access to parks across our region while developing the organization’s internal systems and external partnerships.”
The foundation supports park improvements, youth sports, cultural programs and recovery efforts for Altadena parks affected by the Eaton Fire.
Lopez-Ledesma holds a master’s degree in public administration and urban planning and a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and planning from Cal State Northridge.