Dear Friends,
I began serving as interim president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara a little more than a month ago, and over the intervening weeks a few things have become absolutely clear.
First, the Scholarship Foundation has been blessed with a truly exceptional staff. This had long been my sense, but now I have abundant firsthand evidence. Whether responding to unexpected challenges – and believe me, there have been plenty! – or simply managing the myriad details that are part and parcel of our important work, my colleagues can be counted on to conduct themselves with astonishing poise and alacrity. This is a hardworking, mission-driven, and resilient group, and I could not be prouder to be part of it!
Second, the Foundation enjoys an unusually deep well of public goodwill. I have been heartened by the many expressions of support I have personally received since being appointed interim leader of the Scholarship Foundation. Now more than ever I keenly appreciate our organization’s unique standing in this community. It is a privilege to contribute to such an extraordinary tradition of community betterment and shared purpose.
And third, the Foundation’s Board of Directors is a dedicated and talented bunch. Since becoming interim president and CEO I have had occasion to work closely with several members, and each time I have come away impressed. I’ve learned more than a few things from our Board already!
Looking ahead, the Foundation will announce scholarship awards for high school seniors this Friday; all other 2026 recipients will be notified on May 15.
And we are hard at work preparing for this year’s spring events. The Scholarship Foundation’s 2026 South County Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 27, at the Courthouse Sunken Garden, and our North County Awards Ceremony will take place the following day, on Thursday, May 28, at the Santa Maria Fairpark Convention Center. Invitations will go out soon!
This is an exciting time for all of us committed to increasing local students’ access to postsecondary education.
My sincere thanks for your continued support of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara!