Kathleen Rawson, LPM
President & CEO
Kathleen Rawson is a place management professional with more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, public space management, placemaking, and hospitality. Rawson currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for The Hollywood Partnership, the non-profit organization that manages the Hollywood Entertainment District, including the world-renowned Walk of Fame. Before her new role in Hollywood, Rawson served as CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) from 1997 to 2022.
In Hollywood, Rawson is a dynamic leader who employs her extensive expertise to identify and address the critical needs of the district. Her innovative approach involves advocating for the community, collaborating with stakeholders, making bold decisions, and seeking additional revenue opportunities to create a more welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike
Rawson took the lead in establishing The Hollywood Partnership Community Dispatch Center (HPCDC), which is a first-of-its-kind facility operating 24/7. The HPCDC offers on-demand cleaning, safety, and hospitality services to residents, businesses, and visitors. Additionally, it provides a forum for community collaboration where The Hollywood Partnership convenes with law enforcement, local government agencies, and social services partners to address public safety and homelessness issues in Hollywood. The aim is to de-silo the work of each organization and work together to address community concerns more effectively.
Rawson's strategic vision also includes the development of the Hollywood Partnership Community Trust (HPCT). This 501(c)(3) affiliate raises additional funding through public and private donations to support various programs and initiatives within The Hollywood Partnership's strategic plan. Since its inception, HPCT has successfully raised over $3.6 million, which has been utilized to invest in clean and safe programs, beautification projects, economic development efforts, and community events. Such projects include the installation of color-changing LED lights along Hollywood Blvd., a project aimed to improve the perception of safety on the street and provide an aesthetic experience for pedestrians, and a partnership with Christopher Street West to launch a new community tradition, LA Pride Village, a free and open-to-the-public event that brings more than 30k people to Hollywood Blvd. each year to celebrate love and individuality after the official LA Pride Parade each June.