Forest Lawn Gets New Executive Leader

Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries in Glendale has named one of its current executives as the new president and CEO. Darin Drabing has been serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer since January 2007. Drabing is replacing outgoing president and CEO John F. Llewellyn, who was named chairman of Forest Lawn’s board of directors. “Darin is a distinguished professional who is highly regarded throughout the organization and the industry,” Llewellyn said. “His strong understanding of the consumer’s needs and a commitment to excellent, caring service, coupled with his remarkable leadership and people skills, make him the ideal choice to take over the reins of the association.” Before 2007, Drabing had served a senior vice president of operations since 1999. Before that, he served as vice president of Forest Lawn’s Cypress location for a decade. He originally joined Forest Lawn as an apprentice embalmer in 1984. Drabing is also vice president of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association and as director of the Cemetery and Mortuary Association of California. He holds a degree in mortuary science from Vincennes University in Indiana, an executive MBA from Claremont Graduate University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of La Verne. Llewellyn joined Forest Lawn in 1972 and was promoted to CEO in 1988. Jessica Vernabe