Brigid LaBonge was selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to serve on the Hollywood Sign Trust. (photo courtesy of Brigid LaBonge)

The Hollywood Sign Trust, a nonprofit that maintains the Hollywood Sign, has welcomed Brigid LaBonge to the board of trustees.

LaBonge, the widow of the late City Councilman Tom LaBonge, is founder and director of the Tom LaBonge Civic Project, a nonprofit she created with her two children to continue her husband’s legacy of public service and civic engagement.

“It is a great honor to have been considered and chosen to be on the board, serving with some really great people who I love in the Hollywood community,” LaBonge said.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce nominated and appointed LaBonge to the board, which consists of seven members appointed by the chamber and two appointed by the mayor. LaBonge joins trustees Andrea Conant, chief of staff for Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, 4th District; Stefanie Smith, acting superintendent of recreation and parks operation for Griffith Park; Darnell Tyler, director of real estate planning and community relations for NBC Universal Global Real Estate; and Ed Tom, former director of operations at the Hollywood Bowl. The trust’s leadership team also includes chair Jeff Zarrinnam, vice-chair Marty Shelton, secretary Brian Lane and treasurer Jerry Neuman.

“The trust brings together an exceptional group of community leaders who generously share their time, expertise and passion to protect and preserve the sign for generations to come, and we are delighted and honored to welcome Brigid LaBonge to this important mission,” Zarrinnam said.

LaBonge is a lifelong Angeleno. An artist, graphic designer and longtime community advocate, she worked for her family’s printing business and later had a long career with several print advertising firms. She also worked in product design for the Disney Company.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was commissioned to rebuild and restore the Hollywood Sign in 1978 and created the Hollywood Sign Trust to guide the project and maintain the landmark in perpetuity. The trust is also responsible for educating the public about the sign’s history and its role in preserving and maintaining the image of Hollywood. The trust led a major refurbishment in 2022 to prepare for the sign’s 100th anniversary in 2023.

LaBonge said she is enthusiastic about her new role, and helping the public learn more about the Hollywood Sign. Her husband hiked trails near the sign daily and was an ardent supporter of Griffith Park. She said finding ways for the public to enjoy the sign while balancing the need to mitigate impacts on residents who live in the hills beneath the landmark is key.

“During Tom’s time in office, he was always trying to find alternatives to come and view the sign. A lot of people come to the Griffith Observatory parking lot to look at it, so that’s a good option,” she said. “You’ve got to go to the parking lot of the observatory – it’s a great view.”

The Hollywood Sign Trust offers many ways for the public to learn about the sign and get involved in projects, including a digital time capsule. For information, visit hollywoodsign.org.