The Santa Barbara Foundation announced April 29 that Jackie Carrera has been named its new president and CEO.

Carrera took over as interim CEO of the 92-year-old community foundation in January, succeeding Ronald Gallo, who led the foundation for 11 years and continues to serve as CEO emeritus.

“With strong execution, organizational management and community engagement skills, Jackie will be a transformational leader, just what the board of trustees was looking for in our next president and CEO,” said Pamela Gann, chair of the board of trustees. 

Carrera’s appointment ends a national search during which the team interviewed more than 50 stakeholders to help identify the characteristics of the ideal candidate to address the diverse needs of Santa Barbara County, according to the news release.

The search committee considered more than 90 candidates and ultimately decided on Carrera, who will be the first female president and CEO in the organization’s history.

“The confidence that has been placed in me to lead this iconic institution and extremely talented team is profoundly gratifying,” said Carrera. “SBF will not only maintain our high standards in philanthropic services, grantmaking and nonprofit support, we will continue to evolve and expand our impact in Santa Barbara County.”

Carrera, who has 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, has been with the Santa Barbara Foundation for almost two years as its chief revenue and business development officer.

As the COVID-19 crisis has unfolded, Carrera has played a pivotal role in mobilizing the emergency effort to bring together a funder’s collaborative of 26 members, and raising $2.3 million to address the needs of individuals, families and nonprofits through an emergency grant program, the news release said.