Retired Financial Services Executive
Joined the SDF Board of Directors in January 2023
Chris retired from the financial services industry in 2015 after a distinguished 30-year career as a senior executive with local banking institutions. She was widely regarded for delivering an exceptional banking experience to clients and the greater community, and for her ability to inspire that passion for excellence in the many employee teams she nurtured over the years. After her retirement, Chris ran a successful consulting practice focused on sales management, client relationship management, and employee engagement and development.
Today, Chris volunteers her vast expertise and positive energy to her community. Since 2016, she has been involved in the work of the Community Environmental Council (CEC), where she currently serves on the Board of Directors Executive Committee. She has previously served on the boards of Bishop Garcia Diego High School, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, and the Coast Village Association.
Chris has raised funds and chaired various committees for numerous nonprofit organizations in the Santa Barbara area. She has been honored three times by the Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow (the highest form of recognition the club can bestow) for her outstanding contributions to the community. In 2018, Chris was trained as a Climate Reality Leader as part of the worldwide Climate Reality Project.
Chris met National Search Dog Foundation founder Wilma Melville and her Black Lab Murphy in 1997. She instantly connected with SDF’s dedication to rescuing and recruiting dogs who are born to work and are often unsuccessful as family pets due to their high drive and intelligence. After 25 years following the SDF story, Chris was honored to join the board in support of the trainers, first responders, and canine partners whose strong bonds are saving lives locally, nationally, and worldwide.
A 39-year resident of Carpinteria, Chris holds a BA degree in English from the University of Delaware. When she’s not volunteering, she enjoys family time (which includes yellow Labs Annie and Ginny), friends, traveling, scuba diving, and beach combing.