Photo circa 1994 | Biography as of June 2001 | Source: The Newhall Land & Farming Co.

Gary Cusumano was born in Northern California and raised in Lodi. The son of a farmer, his respect for the land is still evident as he guides the 118-year-old Newhall Land into the 21st Century.

Cusumano was educated at University of California, Davis and, after a tour in the US Army, joined Newhall Land in 1969. He held various positions in the agricultural and real estate divisions and, in 1989, became president and chief operating officer. In 2001, Cusumano was appointed chief executive officer.

Cusumano is a past chair of the California Chamber of Commerce, a past regent of University of California, a member of Urban Land Institute and serves on the Board of Directors of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. He and his wife Diana, an active community volunteer, have three grown children.

The Newhall Land and Farming Company (NYSE/PSE:NHL) is a developer of new towns and master-planned communities in north Los Angeles County. Its primary activity is building the new town of Valencia, California. Newhall Ranch, a new community that received Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor approval in 1999, and Valencia together form one of the nation's most valuable landholdings.

Webmaster's note: Gary Cusumano retired as chairman of Newhall Land in January 2006.