Santa Barbara Humane has appointed Christine Garvey and Marla Smith to its Board of Directors.
“Both bring decades of experience in finance, real estate, and philanthropic leadership as the organization advances the Humane Campaign to transform its Santa Barbara campus,” Santa Barbara Humane said.
In addition to their board service, Garvey will co-chair the Humane Campaign alongside John Corby, board chair; and Smith will head the investment committee.
“Christine and Marla bring extraordinary experience, thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to our community,” said Kerri Burns, CEO of Santa Barbara Humane. “Having them involved as we move the Humane Campaign forward is tremendously meaningful.
“This new campus will expand access to affordable veterinary care, provide better spaces for animals awaiting homes, and offer more opportunities for education and behavioral support,” Burns said.
“Their leadership will help us build a resource that serves animals and the people who love them for generations to come,” Burns said.
Garvey has some 40 years of banking and commercial real estate experience. She began her career at First Interstate Bank of California and retired from Deutsche Bank in 2004 as global head of corporate real estate.
Elected to the Montecito Bank & Trust Board of Directors in 2018, she has corporate board experience and a commitment to nonprofit service. She has had board roles with Habitat for Humanity, California State University Channel Islands, La Casa de Maria, and Immaculate Heart High School.
Smith is the founder/CEO of MSS Ventures, LLC, a private investment and advisory firm based in Santa Barbara. Her 40-year career spans investment banking, private equity, real estate development, and corporate and philanthropic board service.
During her 23 years with The Fidelco Group, Smith led complex transactions and financings. As president of the Board of Trustees of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, she led a $3 million clubhouse renovation.
Her civic and nonprofit service includes Friends of Hudson River Park, Goods for Good, the Newark Police Foundation, and Opportunity Project.
She holds a master’s degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree from New York University.
The Humane Campaign is working to transform Santa Barbara Humane’s Santa Barbara campus with an expanded medical center, new adoption center, dedicated spaces for dog behavior and training, and an education center.
Garvey and Smith join fellow board members Corby; Susan Rodriguez, vice chair; Nicole Wichowski, treasurer; Chad Prentice, secretary; and directors Michael Boyer, Steve Golis, Leonard Himelsein, Crystal A. Knepler, Sofia Lariz and Olivia P. Young.