The Assistance League of Santa Barbara (ALSB) has installed Judy Ritchie as its president to preside over the chapter’s 75th-anniversary year, 2023-24.

Assistance League of Santa Barbara Board of Directors members stand together for a group photo. New board president Judy Ritchie, wearing a blue sweater and black pants, is in the center of the front row.
New president Judy Ritchie, center front row, joins Assistance League of Santa Barbara Board of Directors for a group photo. Credit: James Macari

Ritchie will guide the all-volunteer, 350-member organization as it continues its commitment to developing and building programs that benefit Santa Barbara County residents.

Ritchie said the theme Up, Up and Away, Soaring to New Heights resonates with her “because of our fantastic growth.”

“Our collective talents lift us up together through selfless service and buoyancy of attitude,” she said. “Our passion for the work of our chapter is what raises us up and makes us soar to new heights.”

The Assistance League of Santa Barbara was established in 1948 by women determined to apply their talents and time to improving the lives of others throughout the community.

The chapter’s first public undertaking was aiding a local residential facility for people with disabilities. This initiated the chapter’s ongoing relationship with Hillside, formerly known as Hillside House.

A highlight of Ritchie’s presidency will be celebrating in October the chapter’s 75th year of incorporation. A community party and other events, are being planned.

As ALSB president, Ritchie’s duties include presiding at board and membership meetings; serving as an ex-officio committee member; presenting the annual report of committee activities to members; and serving as liaison for annual meetings of the national organization.

The Board of Directors also includes Carol Saucedo, president-elect; Nikki Rickard, vice president of membership; Lene Shutt, vice president of philanthropic programs; Janice Caesar, vice president of resource development; Pam Eliason, recording secretary; Alison Hedge, corresponding secretary; and Mary Lopez, CFO.

Others are Sydney Tredick, strategic planning chair; Gail Grant, new member training chair; Pamela Gilbert, public relations chair; Tomi Topinko, chapter liaison to Assisteens; Tara Brown, Las Aletas Auxiliary representative; and Charlene Heinz, parliamentarian.

The chapter’s 14 philanthropic programs, and two related auxiliaries the Assistance League support are funded by proceeds from the chapter’s thrift shop at 1259 Veronica Springs Road, Santa Barbara.