The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) has appointed Marinella Baker as its new deputy director.
A nonprofit executive with 16 years of progressive leadership experience, Baker brings a track record of organizational growth, financial stewardship, fundraising success, and community engagement, SBMM said.
Most recently, Baker served as director of development at the Elings Park Foundation, the largest privately funded nonprofit park in America.
During her tenure there, annual fundraising revenue grew from $280,000 to $1.3 million, and she helped manage the $16 million EPIC! Capital Campaign.
Among her accomplishments, she led a campaign that raised $200,000 in just eight weeks, fulfilling a donor-stipulated condition that unlocked an additional $1 million gift.
Prior to that, Baker spent a decade as director of operations for a nonprofit, where she helped build the organizational infrastructure and community relationships needed for long-term success.
She administered a $2.2 million annual operating budget; oversaw financial reporting, payroll, and audit preparation; and maintained full fiscal accountability year after year.
“Marinella brings exceptional leadership, energy and heart to SBMM,” said Dean Noble, SBMM executive director. “Her experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and community building will be an incredible asset as the museum continues to grow and deepen its impact.”
“Baker said she is excited to join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum as it continues to inspire wonder, preserve history, and connect the community to the sea,” SBMM said.