Person of the Year Nominations 

Considered one of the highest honors of the year in Santa Barbara County, this year’s Person of the Year Award nominations are in progress, with a deadline scheduled for next Friday, July 15 at 5 pm. 

The Santa Barbara Foundation, along with co-sponsors Montecito Bank & Trust, Noozhawk, The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Cox Communications, and Montecito Journal, invites the community at large to nominate an individual, couple, or family whose volunteer service represents a meaningful commitment to the community; addresses a real community need or enhances the quality of life in the Santa Barbara area; or has been involved in acts of generosity, kindness, or innovation, with an emphasis on recent accomplishments and achievements. 

“During this time of unrest and uncertainty due to COVID and other concerns based on inflation, societal unrest, and global turmoil, it is such an honor to be able to focus on the positive philanthropic achievements of those in our Santa Barbara area — many who have been quietly doing this work for decades,” said Jordan Killebrew, Communications Director for Santa Barbara Foundation. “While we particularly recognize the winners of the Person of the Year Awards, we also wish to acknowledge the many outstanding unsung heroes who volunteer their time, energy, and financial support to ensure that noteworthy causes in our communities are sustained and thriving,” added Killebrew.

For 79 years, the annual Person of the Year Award (formerly Man & Woman of the Year) has shined a light on those who have gone above and beyond for Santa Barbara communities as role models and ambassadors for their causes. The Santa Barbara Foundation believes that these individuals serve as an inspiration to others, including a new generation of volunteers. In recent years the award has gone to either individuals, couples, or families. 

The award selection process is comprehensive and thorough; after all nominations are received on Friday, July 15, there will be a deliberation period of all applications by a Pre-Selection Committee known as the Collaboration for Social Impact Advisory Board (consisting of nonprofit leaders in Santa Barbara County). The committee will then provide their top preferences to the Selection Committee, comprised of former recipients of the Person of the Year Award who will determine the next recipients of the award. 

Last year the Santa Barbara Foundation, along with co-sponsors Montecito Bank & Trust, Noozhawk, The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Merryl Brown Events, and Bryant & Sons, LTD. honored John Daly and Judy Stapelmann. Additional past honorees include Jelinda DeVorzon, David Boyd, Catherine Remak, Tom Parker, Michael and Marni Cooney, Ernesto Paredes, Joni Meisel, Janet Garufis, Jon Clark, and so many more Santa Barbara area community members. 

The 79th Person of the Year Luncheon will be held on September 21, with the location to be announced soon. 

For more information about the Foundation and the nomination process, please visit sbfoundation.org.