Gabriella Garcia has been elected chair of the Board of Managers at the Montecito Family YMCA, a branch of the Channel Islands YMCA.
Garcia brings 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit industry, primarily working with vulnerable populations. She is the executive director of Storyteller Children’s Center.
Garcia previously dedicated 10 years to the Alzheimer’s Association in varying roles at the California Central Coast Chapter, California Southland Chapter, and Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.
As a nonprofit leader, Garcia said she believes in creating safe, inclusive and equitable spaces in the communities where she serves and lives.
“The Montecito Y is such a special place. I love the atmosphere, the generational diversity of the programs, and our impact on the community,” Garcia said. “I am proud to chair this board of dedicated and passionate people.”
Garcia holds a Ph.D in organizational development, MA in organizational behavior from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, and BA in elementary education from Fresno Pacific University.
The Montecito Family YMCA Board of Managers includes Dan O’Keefe (immediate past chair), Rob Adams, George Armstrong, Nathan Bero, Mike Denver, Gabriela Garcia, Andy Grant, Anthony Hernandez, Laurie Kirby, Martin Mielko, Marta Quintero, Jim Scafide, Bharat Singh, Lora Taylor, and Tim Werner.
Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA has seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, including Camarillo Family YMCA, Ventura Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, and Youth & Family Services YMCA.
For more, visit www.ciymca.org.