who we are
The Gene Elliott Foundation was founded to make it possible for all children to play together. The foundation’s goal is to improve the availability of recreational, playground and sports equipment for students with special needs while encouraging increased inclusivity with their classmates.
Our specific mission is to support the construction of inclusive playgrounds for elementary school pupils in Santa Monica, California.
in memoriam
Gene ‘Geno’ Elliott was a paraeducator who worked with special needs students for more tham 20 years with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. The Santa Monica native was raised by his beloved mother Nancy and forged lifelong friendships starting in elementary school and while playing basketball at the local park.
The Loyola High School alumni was a devout sports fan who loved the home teams especially the Lakers, UCLA Bruins and Dodgers while also cheering for the 49ers.
Geno graduated from UC Santa Cruz and also earned a culinary diploma from Le Cordon Bleu, which he regularly put to use while hosting friends.
A benevolent spirit with a movie star smile, Geno enjoyed many friendships with people from all walks of life and brightened the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him.
Geno died in April 2018 at age 50 and the Gene Elliott Foundation was formed to continue his legacy of spreading joy.
Our Team
Jason Marsili
Chair
Jason is a partner at Rosen Marsili Rapp LLP and represents workers in labor and employment law matters. He holds a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution and teaches at USC Gould School of Law. Jason and Gene were neighbors for over a decade and often spent time enjoying the Santa Monica weather on their bikes. As an enthusiast of athletics and physical activity, Jason continues to reside in Santa Monica and is dedicated to the expansion of inclusive play areas throughout the area.
Ken Baum
Vice Chair
Ken hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan (Go Blue!) and is a founding partner of a nationwide litigation boutique – Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP. Ken and Gene’s shared love of athletics was the genesis and bedrock of their friendship. Ken lives in Santa Monica with his wife, Julie, and their son, Ezekiel.
Andy Schwich
Executive Director
Andy grew up around education and sports as the son of a college professor, coach, and athletic director. Since moving into the non-profit sector 25 years ago, Andy has had extensive experience in program, development, and senior level management with social service organizations, including Special Olympics Southern California, that support underserved populations throughout the Los Angeles area. Andy resides in Santa Monica and has a daughter, Natalie, who attended NYU and lives in New York.
Kathleen D'Andraia
Secretary
Kathleen is a Complex Claims Analyst at RiverStone Claims Management. She met Gene during an afternoon in the summer of 2003. Although first impressions were not accurate, they would serve as a long running joke between Gene and Kathleen for years to come. Kathleen now lives in Atlanta, but is honored to be a member of the foundation and to carry out Gene’s desire to bring inclusive play to the children of Santa Monica.
John Swenson
Treasurer
John is a partner and trial attorney at The Scali Law Firm. John is committed to giving back to his community and dedicates a substantial portion of his practice to representing pro bono clients, including the representation of low income tenants in landlord disputes, volunteer work at the Legal Aid Foundation’s domestic violence clinic, and volunteering with Bet Tzedek’s Holocaust Survivor Reparations Project.