Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County has announced the appointment of new board officers and new board leadership.

Leading the Board of Directors as president is Lora Fisher, mortgage loan officer at U.S. Bank. Janet Burki, management consultant, is the new vice president.

Rhys Morris, managing director of Union Bank’s Santa Barbara and Ventura lending department, will continue as a board officer in the roles of secretary and treasurer. Bryn Blanks, senior corporate communications specialist at Procore Technologies, is a new board member.

“Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of community leaders committed to providing strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter for homeowners in southern Santa Barbara County,” said Jessica de L’Arbre, CEO of Habitat Santa Barbara.

“We are excited about our growing leadership, especially as we pursue a strategic planning process, and as the world around us adapts to the impacts of COVID-19 and affordable housing needs,” she said.

“Habitat Santa Barbara continues to deliver its mission daily and we are grateful for the partnership and dedication of our board of directors,” she said.

Fisher, who lives in Goleta, has worked in the financial services industry for 25 years; the past seven years with U.S. Bank as a mortgage loan officer, focusing on home mortgage, lot and construction lending.

She was past president of the Rotary Club of La Jolla (2015-16); serves as a member of the Rotary Club of Montecito; is a member of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors and participates on the SBAOR community outreach committee.

Burki is a former GE executive and engineer with 35 years experience in diverse technology businesses. Her expertise is successfully leading businesses through critical changes and transforming organizations. She is passionate about coaching, mentoring and developing professionals.

Burki was named one of Fast Company Magazine’s Fast CEOs in 2003. 

Morris, a Goleta resident, has been in the financial industry for more than 20 years, and focuses on residential lending. He also volunteers for Habitat Santa Barbara. He has served on the organization’s finance committee for the past two years and recently joined the Board of Directors.

Before joining Procore in 2019, Blanks served as communications manager at Direct Relief. Blanks has a passion for storytelling and community building. Since earning her degree in Global Health from the University of Virginia, Blanks has worked alongside nonprofit and healthcare professionals, first responders, and community leaders worldwde.

As a senior corporate communications specialist at Procore, Blanks currently leads diversity, inclusion and belonging communications, and supports executive messaging. 

The 2021 Board of Directors also includes: Ann Burgard of Ann Burgard Building & Finishing, Dale Fathe-Aazam of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, Jan Hubbell, Karen Lyons, Jon Martin of M3 Multifamily, Maureen McDermut of Maureen McDermut & Associates, Tracy Stouffer and Doug Wood.

For more, visit www.sbhabitat.org, or contact Elizabeth Baker, director of development and communications, 805-692-2226 or Elizabeth@sbhabitat.org.