Almost single-handedly and with passionate resolve, Phyllis Caskey surmounted decade-long challenges to found and open Hollywood Entertainment Museum. The non-profit venue celebrates film, television, radio, the entertainment arts and Hollywood the place, showcasing technologically advanced interactive exhibits, memorabilia, special exhibitions, multi-screen video presentations and a revealing behind-the-scenes backlot tour of the world's most dynamic industry.
Her journey started in 1979, when she was a field representative for then majority leader of the California Senate, David Roberti. As the senator's liaison in Hollywood, she handled such projects as Metro Rail, the adoption of the Hollywood redevelopment plan and interacting with the entertainment industry. One of Senator Roberti's final projects during his tenure was sponsoring legislation to create Hollywood Entertainment Museum. On his behalf, Caskey led the advisory committee that conducted the project research in support of a museum to preserve Hollywood's history.
A flame was ignited and shortly thereafter Caskey accepted the position in 1984 of president and chief executive officer of the proposed museum. It took 12 years of coordinating economic feasibility studies, selecting and negotiating for different sites, developing funding and support from the entertainment industry and community, and, finally, orchestrating the opening of Hollywood Entertainment Museum in October 1996.
Through determination, commitment and skill, she successfully brought Hollywood Entertainment Museum to life as a historical, cultural and educational resource that celebrates Hollywood the place and Hollywood the industry, spearheading the construction of the 33,000-square-foot space.
She led the drive to create its pioneering Educational Center for the Entertainment Arts as a vital segment of the Museum's mission, where at-risk youth get a second chance with traditional education and the opportunity to find a future working in the entertainment industry.
She is the recipient the Los Angeles Business Journal's 2001 "Women Who Make A Difference Award"; the Hollywood Coordinating Council's 2001 Outstanding Community Service Recognition Award"; Hollywood Arts Council's 1996 "Spirit of Hollywood Award"; Hollywood Arts Council's 1993 "Charlie Award"; Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's 1993 "Women in Business Award"; and Society of American Travel Writers' 1992 "Western Chapter Award." In 1987, she was cited by the California State Senate for her "Service to the Community"; and the City of Los Angeles presented her with its "Outstanding Public Service" citation (1987), and its Certificates of Commendation and Appreciation (1986).
Caskey has served on the Technology for Learning executive committee of the Los Angeles County Office of Education since 1997, and on the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau's Marketing and Cultural Tourism Committees since 1992. She served as co-chair of the Tourism Committee of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (1999 to 2001) and on its board of directors (1986 to 1991); is a founding board member and co-chair of the Tourism Initiative Committee of the Hollywood Economic Alliance (1997 to 1999); has served on the advisory boards of KLCS-Channel 58 (1996), the Los Angeles Unified School District (1996) and the Hollywood Community Advisory Council of the City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency (1992-1994); chaired the board of directors for Options House (1985-1987); and is a founding board member of the Hollywood Leadership Alliance (1993).
She lives in Chatsworth with her husband Marshall Caskey, an attorney.