Sharon Byrne to Leave Montecito Association 

In an announcement made last week, Montecito Association Executive Director Sharon Byrne will be stepping down from her position in order to assume leadership of the Women’s Liberation Front (WoLF), a national feminist organization.

“It’s long been a dream of mine to advance the cause of women’s rights in the United States, and globally. I’ve been a delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Status of Women, and I’m excited to finally fully engage in this mission. I have a daughter, and cannot live with myself if I let her, and all the daughters out there, face a world with less rights than I had,” Byrne said. 

Byrne took the role of MA Executive Director in the early aftermath of the 1/9 Debris Flow, coming from the Coast Village Association, where she was also the Executive Director. She helped the community navigate the rebuilding process, serving as a liaison to County reps and insurance personnel, and played a key role in the messaging of subsequent evacuations during winter weather. Next came the pandemic, where she helped the Association navigate a new normal of remote meetings, sourcing masks and sanitizer, and supporting vulnerable community members. She has also been instrumental in starting the Hands Across Montecito Project, which has helped those affected by homelessness find resources, as well as informing the MA board during community projects such as the 101 widening, Randall Road Debris Basin, local building projects, and more. 

“I am so grateful, and honored, to have been able to serve the Montecito community for the past five years. We navigated through some of the worst times in Montecito’s history together. Montecitans are truly amazing, and deeply committed to this community, which is so inspiring to me. Our board was very kind and supportive to me, and I so appreciate them, especially Chair Megan Orloff, and all the incredible people here,” Byrne said. 

Byrne’s last day will be July 14. The Montecito Association Board of Directors is seeking to fill the position. To learn more, visit www.montecitoassociation.org.