The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has appointed two new members to its Board of Trustees — Venesa Faciane and Susan Parker.
“Each brings a distinctive blend of personal passion and professional experience that will help advance the museum’s mission to inspire a thirst for discovery and a deep appreciation for the natural world,” the museum said.
Originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, Faciane has lived in Santa Barbara since 2000. A graduate of the UC Santa Barbara, she has dedicated her time and talents to a variety of local nonprofit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club and Food from the Heart.
She is a founding member of Mission City Roller Derby, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and has been active with the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation for some two decades, alongside her partner Brett Burkey, vice president of the foundation.
Faciane previously served as vice chair of the museum’s governance committee.
Parker grew up in Orange, California, and is a graduate of California Lutheran University. A retired business owner in Santa Barbara, she has been committed to community service.
Her previous board roles include the Downtown Boys & Girls Club, Santa Barbara Education Foundation, and Noah’s Anchorage. She also served as a liaison to the CALM board through its Auxiliary and has been an active member of the museum’s gala committee on multiple occasions.
Currently, Parker is president of the Hutton Parker Foundation, where she also serves on the grant selection committee. She previously served as vice chair of the museum’s development committee.
“After years of sharing the SBMNH with my two sons, it is an honor to be asked back on the board,” said Parker. “The future of the Museum is even more important now with four grandchildren who want the Natural History Museum experience.”
For a listing of the trustees and their bios, visit sbnature.org/about/board.