For Corey Roskin, retirement was supposed to be a chance to slow down, maybe relax a little. Instead, it’s been anything but. Since stepping away from his nearly three-decade career in West Hollywood’s social services sector, Corey Roskin has found himself in just as much demand, if not more.
Now based in Palm Springs, he’s become a go-to name in the local event planning and fundraising scene. Whether it’s helping organize major cultural gatherings, lending his expertise to nonprofit fundraisers, or overseeing literary events, Roskin’s so-called “retirement” looks a lot like a full-time job.
The only difference? He’s doing it all for passion, not a paycheck.
Corey Roskin never set out to be an event planner. Born in Skokie, Illinois, Roskin grew up surrounded by creativity. His mother was a classically trained singer; his father had a gift for comedy, though he never pursued it professionally. That blend of artistry and passion seems to have influenced Roskin’s own career, one built around bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.
After getting a psychology degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Roskin moved to California, initially working at a psychiatric hospital before pivoting toward event organizing. His career with the city of West Hollywood spanned nearly 30 years, where he played a key role in coordinating health fairs, speaker series, and community programs.
That knack for logistics, combined with his ability to read a room (a psychology degree always comes in handy), made him an invaluable force. And while retirement may have officially started in 2020, the calls for his expertise never stopped.
Moving to the Coachella Valley during the pandemic, Corey Roskin quickly engaged himself in Palm Springs’ cultural fabric. He joined the Palm Springs Public Library Association, where he helped launch Pride on the Page, an LGBTQ+ literary festival. He became a key figure at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, helping orchestrate high-profile fundraisers. Most notably, he was instrumental in the Nobody Does It Better musical event, which shattered its fundraising goal, bringing in $84,000—money that will help transform the city’s entertainment landscape.
These aren’t casual projects. They require months of planning, deep connections, and the ability to navigate Palm Springs’ unique cultural pulse. “Like anywhere, it’s important to get to know the community, to get to know the players,” Corey Roskin explains. The city may be smaller than Los Angeles, but it’s evolving. “People are just starting to realize what’s possible here culturally.”
Corey Roskin is helping lead that charge, ensuring Palm Springs doesn’t just keep up—it stands out.
So, what makes Roskin so good at what he does? According to him, success in event planning comes down to a few key qualities:
“You need to be organized,” he says. “I think you need to have passion; you need to be excited about being creative, and you need to be flexible if a plan needs to be altered. Also, find good people to work with.”
That last part is crucial. His easy going nature makes him a magnet. Whether he’s securing authors for panel discussions or coordinating a high-profile fundraiser, his ability to be calm under pressure is invaluable.
Roskin’s collected approach has also made him adept at handling celebrity egos. While he doesn’t often work directly with Hollywood’s biggest names, he’s had his share of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
His secret? Keeping the focus on the event itself, not the drama around it.
Despite his packed schedule, Corey Roskin still finds time for his personal creative pursuits. He writes. He sings. He dances. And he dreams of curating his own storytelling series, similar to those that have taken off in Los Angeles.
He also hopes to expand his role as an interviewer, leading author discussions both one-on-one and in panel settings. Books, music, and storytelling have been lifelong passions—now, he’s finding new ways to bring them to the community.
His guiding philosophy is simple: “Be as nice to people as you are able to.” And maybe that’s why his phone keeps ringing.
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