The Hollywood Sign Trust maintains and educates about the sign, which has become an instantly recognizable landmark worldwide. (photo courtesy of the Hollywood Sign Trust)

The Hollywood Sign Trust, a nonprofit responsible for maintaining the Hollywood Sign and educating the public about its historical and cultural importance, has announced members of its 2021-22 board of trustees.

The city of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce appoint the nine-member board, which will be led by chair Jeff Zarrinnam, vice chair Stefanie Smith, treasurer Ferris Wehbe and secretary Brian Lane. Additional members include trustees Matt Fritch, Jerold Neuman, Barbara Romero, Marty Shelton and Darnell Tyler.

“The trust is a dedicated team of community leaders who donate their time and talent to protect the Hollywood Sign for generations to come,” Zarrinnam said. “As we approach the Hollywood Sign’s 100th anniversary in 2023, the new board of trustees’ extraordinary experience and passion will be instrumental in furthering the trust’s mission.”

Originally installed in 1923 as a giant billboard for a real estate development known as Hollywoodland, the sign has become a universal symbol for Hollywood. The Hollywood Sign was declared a Los Angeles Cultural Historical Monument No. 111 in 1973. The city owns and controls access to the land around the Hollywood Sign in Griffith Park.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce commissioned a rebuilding project for the Hollywood Sign in 1978 and created the Hollywood Sign Trust the same year to oversee repairs, maintenance and restorations, as well as capital improvements. The trust has led many projects over the years, including a major refurbishment to prepare for the sign’s 90th anniversary in 2013, and the installation of a state-of-the-art security and surveillance system, which has been expanded and improved numerous times.

The trust also offers information about the sign at hollywoodsign.org.