Anonymous
Source: Downtown Santa Barbara
Downtown Santa Barbara today named Robin Elander as its new Interim Executive Director. Ms. Elander will start her new job on May 11.
Downtown Santa Barbara, commonly referred to in local circles as “the DO,” has over 1200 members and comprises the city’s largest Business Improvement District (BID). It is responsible for promoting downtown businesses, non-profits and associate members. DSB has for many years also administered to the City’s Plaza Maintenance contract.
Elander has a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Management.
She has worked for numerous municipal governments and nonprofits. She began her career working on large-scale projects in diverse neighborhoods in Raleigh, North Carolina from 1999-2002, then for the City of Ventura from 2002-2011.
She has worked locally since 2011, supporting the startup efforts of Impact Hub, now KIVA SB. Ms. Elander has extensive event experience and has worked with The Fund for Santa Barbara and many other local non-profits and organizations. She also does business consulting and is founder / director of Global Good Impact.
Many folks know Robin in her role the past five years as the Executive Director of Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration, the annual event that draws over 100,000 people. She will be continuing with Solstice this summer to put on a virtual community workshop and parade while serving as Interim Executive Director for Downtown Santa Barbara.
“It’s going to take us all working together to recover, innovate and grow in these unprecedented circumstances. Let’s get the conversations started and make some downtown magic happen.” (Robin Elander).
(Almost) anyone who has worked for SB’s Solstice is a very good choice — and Robin Ulander seems like a great choice! (“seems like” only because I don’t know her and want a bit of wiggle room.) YAY!
I don’t agree that the Solstice Organization is very well run.
I wonder if she lives “downtown” in one of the High Density units and walks or rides a bike to work… No doubt she is car-less, as she is the Founder of Global Good Impact…
Ok, Robin. Welcome. Now get on the horn to Caltrans and tell them to clean up our freeways. Trash and homeless encampments need to go before SB can say anything is improved.
The freeways? She’s not a board supervisor or the mayor. Homeless in the downtown area, yes makes sense.
Wonder why they passed on her the first time 1 year ago and instead selected an out of state candidate. Might as well just close State Street to car traffic.