Pedro Paz has been named executive director of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF), a nonprofit devoted to enriching the academic, artistic and personal development of Santa Barbara students. Paz begins his new position on Aug. 8.
Paz joins the foundation after working with Santa Barbara Foundation as director of policy and external affairs, and First 5 in Santa Barbara and Merced counties.
He has served the community as a board member for several nonprofits, including the Santa Barbara City College Foundation, and previously as a trustee for the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education.
Paz was raised in Santa Barbara and attended Santa Barbara Unified schools, including Dos Pueblos High School. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in education, and a B.A. in political science and Latin American & Iberian Studies from UCSB.
“I have a lifelong commitment to public education, and I see this as an opportunity to combine many of my talents to help the students and teachers of the community where I grew up,” Paz said. “As a product of our local schools and Santa Barbara Unified, I see this as a means of giving back to them.”
Paz’s hiring comes as the foundation continues to grow with a recent $4 million bequest that will provide long-term sustainability and support.
Paz will succeed Margie Yahyavi, who has held the post for 12 years and started as the foundation’s only part-time employee with annual revenues of $300,000. During her tenure, SBEF’s staff grew to five positions and an annual budget of $2.5 million, supporting 10 SBEF signature programs and serving as a fiscal sponsor for 14 other education programs.
“We are excited to embark on the next chapter with Pedro at the helm,” said Mat Gradias, SBEF Board president. “His experience and connection to our public education system will be immensely helpful for SBEF as an organization and the programs and partnerships that benefit many of our students.”