D. Brian Houck, the new manager of grounds and gardens for the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, was formerly with Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

The J. Paul Getty Trust has appointed D. Brian Houck to oversee the extensive and internationally renowned grounds at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades.

Mr. Houck comes to the Getty from Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, where he was director of horticulture, overseeing the development and maintenance of gardens at the zoo. Before moving to Chicago, he was the botanic garden manager at Cal State University Northridge, where he also instructed.

Mr. Houck received a bachelor's degree in ornamental horticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and a master's in nonprofit management from the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

"Brian has a strong understanding of Southern California gardens and the use of drought-tolerant materials," said Michael Rogers, the Getty's facilities director. "With his background in horticulture and nonprofit management he is in a great position to deliver a responsibly managed world-class visitor experience."

Nearly two million people a year visit the Getty Center and Villa to view art collections, architecture and gardens. The distinctive grounds at each site are integral aspects of the visitor experience.

The Getty Center (J. Paul Getty Museum) incorporates the modern design of architect Richard Meier, and the Central Garden design by artist Robert Irwin. The Getty Villa LASN June 2006 is a full-scale reproduction of the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, a Roman town that along with Pompeii and other towns and cities was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Herculaneum is today the Ercolano commune in Campania, Italy.

"The Getty is a leader in landscape resource conservation and education about the importance of public gardens," said Mr. Houck. "I'm proud to continue that tradition of leadership and to deliver an awe-inspiring horticultural experience to visitors in support of the programs at the Getty."

The J. Paul Getty Trust is the world's largest cultural and philanthropic organization and reportedly the world's wealthiest art institution, with an estimated endowment of $5.6 billion (2011). It operates four programs: the Getty Conservation Institute; the Getty Foundation; the J. Paul Getty Museum; and the Getty Research Institute.