Chief Executive, President, The Hollywood Partnership
After 25 years leading Downtown Santa Monica Inc., Rawson was appointed chief executive of The Hollywood Partnership in 2022. The Hollywood Partnership is a nonprofit organization formed nearly 30 years ago to manage the Hollywood Entertainment District. Rawson concurrently serves as the commissioner of the City of Los Angeles’ board of tourism.
What’s the best advice you ever got? When dealing with combative people, always respond in a factual, friendly and brief manner. No editorializing.
What’s your favorite movie, all time and in any category? I absolutely adore anything with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Their unbelievable talent and remarkable chemistry epitomize the magic of Hollywood cinema. Plus, to quote Ann Richards, I can relate to a woman who can do anything a man can do but backwards and in heels.
What’s the best thing about living in Los Angeles? The weather, of course, is one of the major perks, especially since I grew up in Minnesota. But beyond that, we have an abundance of culture. You can find theater, music and food all over L.A. that you can’t experience anywhere else in the world.
YEARS ON LA500: 1
