Karen Ortiz has been named director of development for the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA). Ortiz has more than 30 years of experience in fundraising, community engagement, and strategic leadership.
A third-generation Santa Barbaran, Ortiz, who lives in the Santa Ynez Valley, has dedicated her career to serving communities across the Central Coast.
She has worked as a volunteer, board member, and staff member for various nonprofits and the banking industry.
Before joining CADA, she was the director of development at the Alzheimer’s Association, where she was instrumental in driving fundraising efforts and expanding awareness for the organization’s mission. She also served as the advancement lead at the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics.
In her new role at CADA, Ortiz will lead the organization’s fundraising and donor relations efforts, working to ensure CADA’s programs and services continue to support community members affected by drug abuse and mental health issues.
“CADA ‘s commitment to serve, uplift and empower those around me for the last 75 years creates an excellent fit for me on many levels.” said Ortiz. “Driven by a deep desire to create positive change, I am committed to joining a nonprofit organization in my community that is creating brighter futures. CADA is doing exactly that.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Karen as CADA’s new director of development,” said Victoria Rightmire, CADA executive director. “Karen’s expertise in building relationships along with her strategic approach to donor engagement, and her passion for advancing meaningful causes make her an excellent fit for CADA.”
For more about CADA and its programs, visit https://cadasb.org/.