Whether you’re on campus for a gala, a public program, our book club, a Mah Jongg class, or to see an exhibition, you can’t walk more than two feet without encountering the work of our next Employee Spotlight. Woody Schofield serves as our Deputy Director of Operations and has been with us for about two years. We sat down with him to discuss what he’s looking forward to as our campus prepares for a busy summer!

Q: Tell us about a past or present exhibition that you enjoyed and why.

A: I enjoyed Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion, which opened a month after I joined the Skirball. With Ms. von Furstenberg attending and other celebrities, it was an exciting night. Aside from the exhibition being very attractive, I was very impressed by Ms. von Furstenberg’s personal story and the numerous challenges she had to overcome with sheer tenacity. I do have to add that I am looking forward to next week's opening of Outsiders, Outcasts, Rebels + Weirdos, having lived in NYC for close to twenty years starting in 1987. I was into the music scene during my time there, so I am looking forward to seeing this exhibition.

Q: Describe a Skirball event you had the opportunity to attend. What made it special for you?

A: Bringing my family to the Puppet Festival was a great experience. They were able to see how special the Skirball campus is, participate in great programming, and meet several of the staff.

Q: What's one activity you prioritize outside of the Skirball? How does it interact with the work you do here?

A: Spending quality time with my family is my priority outside of the Skirball. Also, sharing my workplace with my family is very important to me. Last summer, I was able to plan my daughter's birthday celebration with a visit to Noah's Ark with her and her classmates. It was a lot of fun for my daughter, her friends, and their parents. A great experience for all.

Q: Tell us about a coworker who has gone above and beyond to represent the Skirball in their work.

A: Each team within the Operations department contributes daily to the success of what we do here at the Skirball. Starting with Security and Safety, Porters, Engineering, the AV team, Project Management, and Administrative Assistants, each team member is dedicated to their work here, and I'm impressed each week by that dedication.

Q: What are you looking forward to learning more about yourself in the following year?

A: I'm looking forward to broadening my professional relationships with the vendors and contractors who partner with the Operations department, as well as with the other Skirball staff who interact with the Operations department.

Thanks for helping our oasis shine, Woody. We're so proud of the work you've done to shape the experience of every visitor who walks onto our campus.

Our institution is more than just a workplace—it's a community where each team member plays a vital role in bringing the Skirball's mission and values to life, and creating memorable experiences for all who walk through our doors. As a loving tribute to our original benefactors, Jack and Audrey Skirball, and because of the Skirballs' dedication to education and cultural exchange, we proudly call ourselves "Skirballers."

We regularly spotlight one of these Skirballers, showcasing their unique talents, passions, and contributions to our community. Through these introductions, we invite you to get to know the people who make working here truly something special.