Leading From Within (LFW) has announced Elizabeth Scharpf and Katya Armistead as its co-executive directors.
The two will support the Board of Directors and will drive LFW’s success as co-leaders, with roles that maximize their individual and complementary strengths, according to Leading From Within.
Scharpf brings some 20 years of leadership in both the nonprofit and private sectors, having last founded and grown a pioneering social venture, Sustainable Health Enterprises.
Recognized for her innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Scharpf has focused on leading organizations in periods of growth, whether in the start-up phase or more mature organizations at an inflection point.
Originally from New Jersey, Scharpf has called Santa Barbara home for the past 10 years, with her wife Sarita, and two boys Niran and Ronak.
Scharpf is also an active member of The OpEd Project Board and Harvard’s Women’s Leadership Board.
“Now more than ever, we need to invest in our community leaders. I am excited to join Katya and the entire LFW team and lead the organization’s growth as the nexus of purposeful leaders and collective change,” Scharpf said.
“Given the urgent challenges, I am compelled to step up locally and meet the moment, and I hope others will join us,” Scharpf said.
“As co-executive directors, Scharpf and Armistead will work hand-in-hand with our operations director, Rubi Castellanos, and alongside the incredible instructors, coaches, trainers, and partners who bring this work to life,” the organization said.
“This isn’t just about leading an organization, it’s about nurturing a community. We hope you’ll walk with us, continuing to support the people and institutions who are showing up every day to strengthen the social fabric of our region,” Leading from Within said.
Armistead will focus on continuing the established and proven programs, as well as engaging fellow alumni. Scharpf will concentrate on meeting the new needs of participants and alumni as well as the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.
Scharpf is a leader in the field of social innovation with experience collaborating with the highest levels of government, philanthropy, and the private sector on climate change, public health, and economic development.
For 34 years, Armistead has practiced the power of servant leadership at UC Santa Barbara, shaping generations through her role as associate vice chancellor of Student Life.
She is a co-facilitator of LFW’s Emerging Leaders Program, and an alum of the Katherine Harvey Fellows. She currently serves on the boards of Women’s Economic Venture, Association For Women in Communication, and The Women’s Fund, and is a Santa Barbara County School Board trustee.
“This leadership transition marks a significant milestone in the growth of Leading From Within,” the organization said. “With over 600 alumni across Central California, including State Sen. Monique Limón, [County Schools] Superintendent Susan Salcido, Sigrid Wright, Eder Gaona-Macedo, Alma Hernandez and Geoff Green.”
Founded by Ken Saxon in 2008, LFW is a hub for leaders across various sectors to convene and be equipped with the skills needed for them, their organizations, and the people they serve to thrive, the group said.