Doug Gardner joined Echo Horizon School in 2024 as its Director of Finance and Operations. Doug came to Echo after serving as Director of Finance and Operations at Westmark School and COO at the Yavneh Hebrew Academy before that. At both Westmark and Yavneh, Doug managed several renovation/construction projects as well as the response to the pandemic, among other responsibilities. Doug also spent the last several years as a trustee for the Hermosa Beach City School District Board of Trustees overseeing the construction of two new schools and the attainment of several state recognitions. Moreover, Doug is a member of the Finance Committee for Exceptional Minds, an academy and studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in the entertainment industry, and the Treasurer for the Mira Costa High School Band Boosters. Prior to entering the education industry, Doug built his financial and operational acumen in the entertainment industry at FactoryMade Ventures and PwC. Doug is eager to contribute to the Echo Horizon community, where everyone has been so welcoming and enthusiastic.

After growing up back east, Doug studied Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University. He followed that several years later with a School Business Management Certificate from the USC Rossiter School of Education and a certification from the California Association of School Business Officials. When not at Echo, Doug loves taking his family to college football games, road tripping, going to the movies, cooking anything and everything, and eating at his favorite restaurants.