Meet Our Staff

After twenty-five years in the community foundation field, President and CEO Ron Gallo continues to be energized by the potential and power of community philanthropy. Ron believes that because they operate at the nexus of money, ideas, convictions and passions, community foundations are perfectly positioned to harness and focus human and financial capital in service of their region’s best collective future.

As CEO, Ron holds ultimate responsibility for building the capacity of the foundation to aggressively pursue its mission, for shaping the culture of the organization, and most important of all, for ensuring that SBF understands and promotes the needs and aspirations of its communities.

Prior to coming to the Santa Barbara Foundation in late 2008, Ron led the Rhode Island Foundation for nearly fifteen years. He started his career in foundations as Program Officer and eventually Executive Director of the Jesse Ball duPont Fund. Ron started out life in the Bronx, New York, and credits growing up in a working-class immigrant neighborhood for his life-long passion for working to ensure that every person is afforded a fair chance to live a life of dignity and opportunity. Ron holds a BA in History and Asian Studies from Connecticut College, an MS in Social Work from Columbia University, and an Ed.D. from Harvard University.

As Chief Financial Officer, overseeing finance, accounting, and investments, Janet Mocker is energized by working together with her teammates to achieve shared goals and improve operating efficiency.

Prior to joining the Foundation in 2013, Janet spent five years as the senior financial analyst responsible for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance at the Redmond, Washington branch of Aerojet-Rocketdyne, Inc. Previously, she was director of finance and administration, and a member of the executive leadership team, at rpiprint.com. During her tenure, RPI transitioned its business model from traditional to internet-based printing and nearly doubled its revenue. Prior to that, she worked as a senior accountant for the religious community of the Sisters of Providence, where she was responsible for financial reporting and investment accounting and management. Janet began her career as a staff auditor with Ernst & Young, LLP, after which she worked for several Washington State CPA firms, performing financial audits of small businesses, nonprofit organizations and governmental entities, and preparing income tax and information returns for high net worth individuals, closely held entities, and nonprofit organizations. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentration in accounting from the University of Washington.

Chief Revenue &  Business Development Officer Jackie Carrera is passionate about the vital role that community foundations play in creating strong communities. She is continually impressed by Santa Barbara’s sense of place and the love that people have for their county. Whether it’s a neighbor struggling with basic needs such as access to healthy food, housing or employment, or the region facing the threat of a natural disaster, Jackie has found that people want to know what they can do to help. She is inspired to help them make that connection – the nexus of which represents the power, resilience and beauty of the human spirit.

Jackie leads the Foundation’s efforts to drive new revenue opportunities, refine its business model, and continue the development of the donor base and endowment.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Jackie served as the President & CEO of the Parks & People Foundation in Maryland for over two decades during which time the organization became a national leader in urban parks and recreation, ecosystem research and education, watershed restoration, job training and workforce development, and innovative programming for youth. Most recently, she has served as a consultant to nonprofits on fundraising, governance and management. Jackie received her BBA in Finance from Loyola University in Maryland.

As Interim Chief Program Officer and Director of Evaluation and Learning Rubayi Estes finds inspiration in our community and the people who serve them. “I work with an amazing staff, a team that shares the love for our community and the appreciation for the people in the organizations that serve this community. My work in particular is based on doing better, learning continuously as an organization, and with our peers, such that our community is a little better off when we are involved.”

Rubayi employs leadership skills and curiosity to design, develop and ensure excellence in research, evaluation, and learning practices in philanthropy. She leads the evaluation team to inform strategy for problem solving in Santa Barbara County, and leverages collective knowledge and information technology to increase organizational learning and serve the community better.

Most recently Rubayi was a Community Investment Officer (program officer) at the Santa Barbara Foundation and deployed an equity-focused education investment strategy. Previously she was an independent evaluation and strategy consultant on projects for Open Health Systems Laboratory, World Bank, Orfalea Foundation, Root Change, Save the Children, and Oxfam International, among others. Her work experience includes the private sector with International Business Incubator and Schering-Plough Biopharma in California’s Bay Area, as well as government program support and analysis with cities of Palo Alto and Goleta, and the 4th Congressional District of Massachusetts, United States.

Her work is grounded in methods and practice found in the fields of evaluation, conflict resolution, public policy, and information technology for use in education and outreach, community engagement, and developing strategies to motivate behavioral change among individuals and their social or professional environments. Her values are rooted in 11 years of free progress learning at the Aurobindo Ashram in Delhi, India where students ‘learn how to learn.’ She has a BA in globalization with a socio-economic and anthropological emphasis from UC Santa Barbara, and holds an MA in International Environmental Policy from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, with certifications in Development Project Management and Global Peace and Security.

Community Engagement Coordinator, Maria Caudillo appreciates the opportunity to serve her beautiful community in meaningful ways, and to act on her love for the nonprofit sector.

As Community Engagement Coordinator, Maria provides support for the entire Community Engagement Department, including the Grantmaking, Strategy, and Communications Teams.

With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in various roles, Maria is fully bilingual and brings expertise in event coordination, logistics, and administrative support.

As Administrative Assistant to Philanthropic Services, Denise Lazaro supports the entire Philanthropic Services Department. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, she is determined to make an impact in her community. Denise is a proud daughter of immigrant parents and knows first-hand the financial struggles that working families face. Because of this, she is motivated to give back to her parents and other working families in Santa Barbara County.

Denise graduated from Santa Barbara City College in 2018 with a degree in Sociology and Liberal Arts, and will continue her education at Channel Islands State University, pursuing a BA in Psychology. She hopes to one day run a nonprofit that provides guidance for at-risk youth.

“I believe there are many kids and teens with so much potential to do great things,” said Denise. “Unfortunately, with the challenges they face, society often forgets that they need extra support and that incarceration is not the answer. Often, they aren’t reminded of the great qualities they possess and all that they are capable of. I am here to remind them that I believe in them, and that they can accomplish anything that they set their mind to!”

Director of Grantmaking Pedro Paz is motivated by the opportunity to be creative while still helping others in the community.

As Director of Grantmaking, Pedro guides the Foundation’s grant opportunities in support of its goals and strategies. In this position, he works to build both relationships with nonprofit community leaders to better understand community needs and trends as well as community connections and partnerships. He also oversees the LEAF Initiative.

Prior to working for the Foundation, he was employed by the County of Santa Barbara as the Program & Evaluation Manager for First 5 Santa Barbara County. In addition to this work experience, he has served the Santa Barbara community as a board member for a number of nonprofits, including the Santa Barbara City College Foundation and Fund for Santa Barbara. Pedro has an M.A. and Ph.D. in Education from U.C. Santa Barbara.

North County Director Kathy Simas provides outreach in North County and input to the Foundation on community projects. While working with the Community Engagement Team on numerous grant programs, she also serves as the Foundation’s contact in veterans’ issues throughout the county. She managed the philanthropic and marketing activities of the Foundation’s affiliate committees in Lompoc and Santa Maria for 13 years, and brings over 40 years of knowledge of the northern communities to her current position.

Kathy spent two decades in the business community, working with a real estate developer on commercial projects and a telecommunications company on large and small telephone and computer/telephony projects. She served on the County of Santa Barbara’s Workforce Investment Board and the Board of Directors for the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce and Visitors and Convention Bureau. Kathy was involved with the Santa Maria Industry Education Council (SMVIEC) for 27 years, where she helped connect schools with business partners. She co-founded the SMVIEC/Chamber Computer Connections Program that provided free computers to underserved students identified by the schools. She holds a BS in textiles marketing/economics from the University of California, Davis and a BA degree in accounting from the University of La Verne.

Director of Communications Jordan Killebrew says, “Community is at the heart of every decision made at the Santa Barbara Foundation and as a person that craves community, I am inspired every day to do what’s best for our neighborhoods spanning the county.”

Jordan and his team promote and enhance the Foundation’s identity through marketing and communications strategy, social media, publications, public relations, advertising, and events.

Before joining the Foundation, Jordan was a marketing & graphic design consultant, working with companies, nonprofits, and government in Santa Barbara County. Jordan also founded Project IV Love, the inspiration that helped raise over $50k for the Love and Remembrance Garden in Isla Vista in its inaugural year. This garden is a community effort that honors the students that lost their lives in the Isla Vista shootings in 2014.

Jordan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he served as a Resident Assistant and Associated Students Program Board member. When Jordan is not working, you may find him out in Santa Barbara at the beach or volunteering.

Kara Shoemaker is passionate about giving back to her community and is inspired by her grandmother, who at 86 is still an active volunteer at several local nonprofit organization. Kara says “I believe we all have the power to positively impact our community, and I strive to do that in both my personal and professional life.”

As Communications Officer, Kara is excited to share the Foundation’s plans and accomplishments with the Santa Barbara community through public relations, digital marketing, social media, publications, media relations, advertising, and events.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Kara worked in donor relations and development for UC Santa Barbara and Direct Relief. In addition, she has volunteered with a number of local organizations, including the Santa Barbara Audubon’s Eyes in the Sky Program and the UCSB Middle East Ensemble. Kara received her Bachelors of Arts degree in English with an emphasis in Environmental Literature from UC Santa Barbara. When not working or volunteering, she enjoys learning about native plants, exploring the mountains with her dog, and reading.

Communications Officer Sam Waterstone is inspired by stories of those who have overcome incredible adversity. He says, “As someone who was given every opportunity to succeed in life, I feel it is my obligation to help those who are less privileged.”

Sam is excited about using new media to engage with the community in fresh, interactive ways. As Communications Officer, he focuses on a wide range of communications projects, including branding and design, content creation, public relations, digital marketing and event coordination.

Sam received his BA from UC Santa Barbara in 2018, where he studied Communication and Sport Management. He has also attended the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where he studied Media and African Studies and got his start in philanthropy while interning at a nonprofit focused on helping South African entrepreneurs grow their small businesses. He loves to travel and is fascinated by issues surrounding media, power and globalization. Prior to working in the nonprofit industry, he worked in sport marketing and event management operations. Originally from the Bay Area, Sam is a self-proclaimed “sports geek” and is a die-hard fan of the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Giants. In his spare time, he enjoys watching and playing basketball, hanging out at the beach, and exploring the mountains.

Director of Donor Relations Jessica Sanchez says, “The road to effective philanthropy begins with a donor’s motivation. This reminded me that when you are inspired to give, you are often providing encouragement to other people who share passion for a cause, and this is what motivates me every day to help donors meet their charitable goals.”

Jessica is responsible for developing and strengthening relationships with donors and fund advisors, sharing best practices in philanthropic giving, strategically adding value to the donor experience through aligned giving opportunities, and facilitating meaningful engagement experiences for donors.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Jessica worked for Farmers Insurance as a customer service representative and as a tutor for Carney Educational Services. Working for Carney Educational Services, she assisted children in meeting academic and social needs. Jessica graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies and Chicano Studies and has received her Paralegal Certificate through the UCSB Extension Program.

Andrea is inspired by the process of individuals coming together and making an impact on the broader community. The values and passions of her colleagues at the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Santa Barbara County community are Andrea’s greatest motivations to come into work every day and be a part of something bigger than herself.

As the Donor Services Coordinator, Andrea serves clients of the Foundation by maintaining a quality customer service program and the integrity of all donor activities with regard to their philanthropic fund.

Before joining the Philanthropic Services Department, Andrea was part of the Foundation’s Finance Department. In addition to her Foundation experience, Andrea has worked in institutional investments, media sales, and was a flight attendant. She served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay and holds a BA in Anthropology from Cal State Los Angeles.

Community Grants Program Officer Deanna Vallejo is inspired every day by the resilience of our community and the widespread impulse to help thy neighbor.

Deanna manages the grants database, evaluates grants, processes grant requests, builds and sustains relationships with local nonprofit organizations, and provides research, due diligence, technical support, and follow-up on reporting requirements and document retention. She also provides advanced administrative and programmatic support for the Community Engagement Department.

Prior to this role, Deanna served as the Foundation’s South County Office Coordinator, sharing her skills in public relations, client services, human resources, and training, developed over a 25-year career.

Brittany is constantly inspired by the generosity she witnesses in Santa Barbara, as it improves the natural beauty of our landscapes, enhances the vibrancy of our culture, and supports the well-being of our people. She believes that without the nonprofit sector and the wonderful donors who support it, Santa Barbara would be a very different place. Brittany feels fortunate to live here and even more fortunate to work with generous individuals who choose to give to improve the lives of others.

In her role as Development Manager, Brittany is responsible for raising funds to support the Santa Barbara Foundation’s work in the community. She manages direct mail fundraising campaigns and provides opportunities for donors to connect with the Santa Barbara Foundation’s work.

Brittany has dedicated her career to raising philanthropic dollars to support the work of non-profit organizations. Most recently, Brittany served as the President’s Circle director for the SBCC Foundation, raising the annual funds necessary for the Foundation to support the college and its students. Brittany serves on the board of the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate with CASA of Santa Barbara County.

Caleb is inspired by solving complex problems and discovering new and efficient ways of carrying out organizational objectives.

As Data Administrator, Caleb oversees the general upkeep of the Foundation’s constituent management system, Raiser’s Edge. He works with the Philanthropic Services and Community Engagement Departments to utilize data in strategic and effective ways.

Most recently, Caleb was the Database Systems Manager at the Montana Community Foundation, where he managed gifts, gift acknowledgements, the donor portal, and development reporting. He has worked for a number of nonprofit organizations in the past, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Montana Democrats, Seattle Pacific University, My Fight Foundation, and Head Start. Caleb holds BAs in Political Science: International Relations and History from Seattle Pacific University. In his free time, he enjoys working with wood, exploring the outdoors, and playing music with friends.

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination.” Albert Einstein

Evie is motivated by supporting groups of passionate people who focus on making a positive difference. As a curious person and lifelong learner, she enjoys building relationships where she can support, and learn from, her colleagues.

As Director of HR, Evie serves as a connector between leadership and staff. HR leadership extends through many disciplines, including, employee relations (employee engagement, communication, investigations etc.), recruiting, organizational development (change management, professional development, succession planning etc.) and compensation & benefits.

Evie has been fortunate to have served as HR Manager for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and has also worked in HR for Family Service Agency. Additionally, she worked as an Area Manager of HR for Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group. Evie holds a BA from the University of California, San Diego and is a Senior Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP). Previously, she was a board member with SBHRA.

Prior to making a career transition into HR, Evie worked as a skincare educator. She has also worked as a professional classical musician and enjoys rescuing pets.

Devoted to helping strengthen nonprofits and promote giving in our community, Cheri Savage leads the investment program and is responsible for direct management of the custodial team, investment consultant, and all investment related activities. Cheri is also responsible for our agency endowment program and many aspects of our deferred gifts.

A 21-year veteran of the Foundation, Cheri has significant hands-on experience with investments, planned gifts, donor relations, and general accounting. Additionally, Cheri has a background in land use planning, having worked with various municipal governments before joining the Foundation. She was also responsible for helping save Los Banos del Mar Pool in Santa Barbara and the subsequent restoration of that facility as former president of Friends of Los Banos del Mar Pool, a 501c3 organization.

According to Senior Accountant Celine Delpoux, these words from Maya Angelou embody the driving force at the core of the Santa Barbara Foundation: its people. “It’s a real privilege and constant source of inspiration to work alongside such creative, determined and empathetic colleagues.”

Celine is responsible for general accounting and financial reporting concerning the daily operations of the foundation. She also manages payroll and assists the Chief Financial Officer during the Foundation’s annual audit and budgeting process.

Celine brings over 10 years of corporate accounting and payroll experience from a publicly traded school bus transportation company, where she managed multi-states payroll and assisted the Regional Director of Finance Operations with accounting procedures, financial reporting, revenue analysis, budget and audit preparation. Originally from France, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Toulouse Le Mirail. Celine also completed Business and Professional Accounting courses offered by UCSB Extension program. When she is not at work, she enjoys embarking on culinary adventures along the beautiful Central coast, as well as riding her bike across Ventura where she lives.

Controller Tom Sheil has spent a major portion of his career serving nonprofit organizations, and he appreciates the sector’s culture. “The people at SBF, like those at my previous nonprofit organizations, are smart, caring, and make my job extremely enjoyable,” he says.

As Controller, Tom is responsible for the financial accounting and reporting of activities. These include developing and maintaining internal controls, processes, operating procedures, as well as supervising and mentoring staff.

Much of Tom’s career was spent as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of an international nonprofit organization. Working in 22 countries, the organization provided food, medicine and clothing to almost 200,000 people in Eastern Europe and China. Most recently, he was a member of the leadership team overseeing a $250 million public works project. Prior to that, Tom was a Controller and member of executive management for a large printing company. He has also consulted for several nonprofits, start-ups and high-net-worth individuals. Tom holds a BS in Accounting Practice & Theory from California State University, Northridge and has been licensed in a variety of areas.

As an Investment Accountant for the Santa Barbara Foundation, Neil Olipani provides support to the Chief Financial Officer, Director of Investments, and Senior Accountant. He oversees account activities and the credit card program. He is also in charge of monitoring bank and brokerage accounts that the foundation holds.

Neil received a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Business with a minor in Economics from California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI). Prior to joining the foundation, Neil worked as a community engagement ambassador at CSUCI. As an ambassador, Neil would help connect students at CSUCI to local nonprofit organizations in Ventura County. The main goal of his prior position was to cultivate a culture of service on and off campus for his fellow students.

Staff Accountant Katie-Rose is motivated by growth and positivity, and has always wanted a career that combines her accounting skills with her desire to help others – the Santa Barbara Foundation has given her an opportunity to do just that. Being able to engage in philanthropic ideas and actions that make a difference in people’s lives inspires her work at the Foundation.

As a Staff Accountant, Katie-Rose provides support to the Finance Department with day-to-day operations. Whether it is working to process Accounts Payable or using the Concur expense and invoice management program, she ensures that the her colleagues in the Finance Department have the support they need to succeed.

Katie-Rose received her Bachelors of Science degree in Business with an emphasis in General Management from California State University, East Bay. Her studies at CSUEB sparked her interest in accounting and related subjects as she continued to take courses within the Business school. Joining the Foundation not only fulfills a major career goal for Katie-Rose, but also gives her the opportunity to return to Southern California. She enjoys spending time with her three cats, trying new food, traveling and outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycle riding, and horseback riding.

As the foundation’s go-to person for software issues, website maintenance, and facilities management, Information Technology Manager Nick Munday is inspired by ensuring nonprofits like Santa Barbara Foundation run efficiently, with technical ease.

Nick is from England, where he had his own computer service business. He comes to the foundation after four years at S.R. Hogue & Company in Santa Barbara. Nick is also the owner of Fusion Event Rentals, a local business specializing in rentals for weddings and special events.

Stephanie sees working for the Foundation as an extension of her desire to make a difference in the world.  She wanted to be able to help her community in a more direct way and felt that working with the Santa Barbara Foundation was a way to achieve this goal.

Stephanie enjoys the daily challenge of keeping not just the main office of the Santa Barbara Foundation humming, but also the Foundation House and the North County offices. There’s a bustle and excitement surrounding the coming expansion and improvements that are constantly being made so that the Foundation can better serve our community.

Stephanie has a Bachelor’s in Technical Theater and in 2014 earned her Master’s in Arts administration from Drexel University. She has worked at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, TN; the Germantown Performing Arts Center in Germantown, TN; The Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA. She’s worked every kind of show imaginable from a ballerina’s first dance recital, Joan Baez, Presidential speeches, and everything in between. She’s worked on numerous capital improvement projects throughout her career and is looking forward to the coming expansion with Santa Barbara Foundation.

The driving belief throughout Stephanie’s professional life has always been that the arts can and do change lives. In addition, she has found ways to be an active community leader, serving as the board chair for the San Luis Obispo’s Promotional Coordinating Committee and the Treasurer for the SLO Surfrider Chapter.

According to Jonathan Bower, “connecting with SBF staff members on a daily basis gives me joy and wholeness.” As Operations Supervisor, Jonathan provides audio-visual support for the meeting room spaces, oversees office supplies, manages onsite and offsite storage facilities, and supports communications and IT as needed.

Jonathan is a native of Santa Barbara and studied Broadcasting at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California. Previously Jonathan served for thirteen years as the Lead Audio Visual technician at the Fess Parker Double Tree Resort in Santa Barbara.

North County Office Coordinator Elaine Ceja says, “I am constantly inspired by the intelligence, motivation and kindness exhibited by my colleagues.”

As the first friendly face people encounter at the foundation’s North County office, Elaine is committed to upholding the outstanding reputation the foundation enjoys in our community.

A native Santa Marian, Elaine comes to the foundation with over 18 years of Administrative Assistant experience, spanning from the Glenn Burdette Accounting firm to 14 years with the City of Pismo Beach. Elaine also worked with Bakersfield City School District for 3 years as a Specially Funded Clerk and oversaw the Title 1 and Local Control Funds at a G.A.T.E Magnet School for the District.

For Receptionist Lani Wollschlager, nurturing inspires her work at the Santa Barbara Foundation.

Lani has held various administrative roles in Santa Barbara and enjoys the variety of tasks which administrative assisting offers. She has volunteered for several nonprofits, which paved the way to finding satisfaction, value and contribution working in the nonprofit sector.

Lani enjoys the great outdoors, along with cooking, gardening and photography.