Mike Ellzey

Mike joined Sunnylands in January 2022 and now serves as Chief of Estate Operations. In this role, Mike supervises the Sunnylands Center & Gardens, education programming, exhibitions and collections, facilities, security, and landscape and grounds divisions. He also oversees Sunnylands’ capital improvement program to design, construct, repurpose, and renovate properties throughout the site.

Prior to joining Sunnylands, Mike had retired from a distinguished career in local, state, and federal government, most recently serving in a federal appointment with the National Archives and Records Administration as the director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. In this capacity, Mike collaborated with the Nixon Foundation to design, construct, and install the museum’s permanent and special exhibit galleries and supervised museum, archives, education and public programs.

Mike also has served as chief executive officer of the Orange County Great Park Corporation; executive director of the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority; and executive director of the San Jose Arena Authority, home of the NHL San Jose Sharks.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from San Jose State University and a law degree from Lincoln University School of Law. Mike is a Vietnam War–era U.S. Marine veteran.