Board of Trustees

Meet the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Board of Trustees
We invite you to get to know both our new and current board members and learn about the people who help shape the future of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Discover more about each of them below!


Randal Baker | President

Randal has been a member of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Board of Trustees since 1995. Over the past 20+ years, he has held various positions on the board, including Treasurer, 1st Vice President, and President. His current term as Board President began in February 2022.

Randal moved to Palm Beach County in 1985 after being hired by IBM. He worked in the IBM West Palm Beach sales office until 2001, when he joined Champion Solutions Group, an IBM Reseller in Boca Raton. After two acquisitions, Randal now works for CDW as a Client Executive, overseeing major customers in both South Florida and the New York/New Jersey regions. He has developed a deep passion for the Morikami and remains committed to building the board with like-minded professionals who can help elevate the Museum, while also raising funds to bring the Morikami master plan to fruition.

Randal served in the United States Air Force before earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Purdue University. He later received an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and continues his education whenever possible. Randal is married to Michael Gallacher, and they have two children, Lilliana and Benny. The family resides in Boynton Beach but enjoys vacationing at their retreats in New Orleans and the Dominican Republic.

Rosie Puello Burkman | Vice-President

Rosie rejoined the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Board of Trustees in 2022. She is deeply passionate about the institution, its culture, and its dedicated team. Rosie has spent over 25 years working at JM Family Enterprises in Deerfield Beach. She is currently Vice President of Corporate Services, where she oversees the company’s philanthropic efforts, focusing on supporting the communities where their associates live and work.

Rosie and her husband, Kent, have been long-time residents of Boca Raton and have two children.

Robin May | 2nd Vice President

Robin was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2017. A native New Yorker, Robin learned the value of philanthropy and volunteerism from her parents at an early age. She has long admired Japanese art, history, and literature. Robin became involved with the Morikami due to her appreciation for the positive impact of Japanese culture, especially through programs like Stroll for Well-Being.

She is a past president of the Stephen Gaynor School Parents Association in NYC and the Friends Auxiliary of the Boca Raton Museum of Art, where she currently serves on the committee for their Lecture Series. Robin has also served on the boards of the Caring Community of Greenwich Village (NYC) and the Museum of Art, Dadeland, FL. She is currently a member of the committee that organizes Boca Regional Hospital’s annual golf tournament. Robin splits her time between NYC and Boca Raton, FL, and has two grown sons and a daughter-in-law.

Christine Carton | Secretary / Treasurer

Christine was born in Lyon, France, and moved to New York City in 1968. There, she worked as a research associate at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Sloan Kettering, and Mount Sinai Hospital. In 1990, Christine moved to Boca Raton with her husband, Marvyn, and their son, Jeremy. While Jeremy was a student at Saint Andrews School, Christine was involved with the parents’ association.

She joined the Morikami Museum in 1995, becoming an active supporter and serving as a board member for several terms. Christine has led multiple fundraising campaigns, helped create educational programs, and played a key role in founding The Morikami Book Club, which focuses exclusively on Japanese authors and subjects.

The trustees are listed alphabetically by first name.

Bob Keady | Trustee

Bob joined the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Board of Trustees in 2024.

With a 40-year professional career in Aerospace, Bob had the opportunity to travel extensively worldwide, often visiting Japan. These experiences led him to develop a strong appreciation for the Japanese people and culture, which he believes will add value to his role as a Trustee.
Bob has served on corporate and advisory boards for multinational companies. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, earned a graduate degree from Purdue University, and is a private pilot with several ratings. Bob is married to Bridget, whom he met in Tokyo, and they have two daughters.

Juan Nogueras | Trustee

Juan Nogueras was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2020. “The Morikami is a magical place. The beauty of the gardens and the quality of the exhibitions are invaluable assets to our community. I am proud to have the opportunity to help grow and further develop this remarkable institution.”

Dr. Nogueras is a colorectal surgeon on staff at Cleveland Clinic, Florida, where he has served as Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Officer, and Chairman of the Division of Surgery since joining in 1991. He received his undergraduate education at Princeton University and his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA.

Juan resides in Parkland, Florida, with his wife, Michele Ann. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Kevin Cooper | Trustee

Kevin joined the Board of Trustees in 2024. He has served on other community trustee boards, including The Boca Raton Museum of Art and the Boca Raton Symphonia. He believes that these institutions are essential for the community today and for future generations.

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Kevin has lived in Boca Raton since 1992. He has a family office practice with Raymond James. Kevin is married to Tricia, and they have three children: Austin, Grant, and Emma. The family divides their time between Boca Raton and Diamond Cove, Maine.


Lauren Eder | Trustee

Lauren joined the Board of Trustees of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in 2024.

Lauren is Professor Emeritus at Rider University, where she taught information systems and international business for over 25 years. She holds a PhD and MBA from Drexel University and a BS from Boston University. As a Fulbright Specialist, she taught the first doctoral seminar in Information Systems at the Universidad de Panama. Another highlight of her career was collaborating with faculty and students in Dong Thap, Vietnam, to create a microcredit program that helped many women start small businesses and learn to save. This program continues to support many families today.

Lauren is involved with several nonprofit boards. Outside her professional interests, she enjoys ceramics, horticulture, and Ikenobo Ikebana, the classical art of Japanese flower arranging. Lauren is married to Scott Eder, and they have two grown children and several grandchildren.

 

Mickey Rosenzweig | Trustee

Mickey Rosenzweig joined the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Board of Trustees in 2024. He is the Founder, President, and CEO of Rosenzweig Financial Services, a financial practice he established in 1979. With over 40 years of experience, Mickey specializes in life and disability insurance, retirement planning, and estate planning. He has held leadership roles in prominent organizations, such as the Estate Planning Council of New York City and the American College, where he has made significant contributions to the financial services industry.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mickey has supported several charitable and nonprofit organizations, including the American Cancer Society and State of Israel Bonds. He has received numerous awards for his work in philanthropy and leadership. Mickey’s wealth of experience and commitment to community service make him a valuable asset to the Morikami Board as the Museum continues its mission to share Japanese culture and engage with the community.

Norma Geller | Trustee

Norma was first introduced to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in the winter of 1992 when she and her husband Albert visited Florida from Cleveland, Ohio. At the time, she was undergoing cancer treatment and, between treatments, visited the Museum and prayed by the lake for her recovery. Her prayers were answered, and she has been cancer-free for 32 years. She often says, “My ‘Stroll for Well-Being’ was the lake and prayers.”

In March 2000, Norma and Albert became members of the Museum. Over the years, she has volunteered at events, participated in Ikebana classes, and served as a board member for many years. After learning about the need to renovate the library in 2019, she donated the funds for the new Sakai Room in memory of her husband, Albert. The room serves multiple purposes, and Norma is proud to have been involved in transforming the library into a valuable, well-used space. She currently serves on the Museum’s Development Committee and attends board meetings in Florida or via Zoom when in Cleveland.

Norma is also active with the Israel Tennis and Education Centers, Friendship Circle, and John Carroll University, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and served for many years on the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Board in Cleveland. The Morikami Museum and Gardens holds a special place in her heart, and she says she will always be a member.

65.3kFollowers
10.9kFollowers
41.3kFollowers
118kTotal fans
Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00
Share →
Send this to a friend