United Way of Santa Barbara County Expands Executive Leadership Team

United Way onboards two new directors to guide expansion in community programming

United Way of Santa Barbara County has announced the appointment of two dynamic professionals to its leadership team. Rose Levy, director of strategic partnerships and advancement and Frances Contreras, director of programs and partnerships, have joined the organization, bringing a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to advancing the organization’s mission.

As it celebrates its 100^th anniversary in Santa Barbara County, United Way has seen continued growth in each of its core focus areas: academic achievement, financial empowerment and crisis response and recovery. Both Contreras and Levy bring experience and expertise to help direct the organization in its approach to new opportunities in order to broaden local impact. 

In partnership with local organizations, service agencies and school districts, United Way continues to build stronger students, families and households with a focus on building a more resilient community. Both Contreras and Levy are set to continue this innovative trajectory, strengthening the leadership team to guide expanding work across the organization in areas like early learning and childcare as well as new programs and initiatives in financial resiliency.  

Frances Contreras is a seasoned leader and educator with over a decade of experience in education and youth-serving nonprofit organizations. Her extensive background includes roles at Boys & Girls Clubs, Jumpstart for Young Children, Para Los Niños, Arc Experiential Education and LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program at the Los Angeles Unified School District. In her role as director of programs and partnerships, Contreras will be responsible for overseeing the design, execution and evaluation of the organization’s programs and initiatives, including the Fun in the Sun summer learning program, the United Learning Center tutoring program, Community Schools, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and other annual community impact initiatives. A firm believer in educational equity, Contreras is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children through her work.

Rose Levy is an accomplished nonprofit professional with a 17-year tenure in impactful, data-driven programming and collaborations within the nonprofit, corporate and philanthropic sectors. Levy’s career includes notable contributions to organizations such as Direct Relief, Habitat for Humanity, and the US Peace Corps in Botswana and Santa Barbara Hillel. A committed member of the Santa Barbara community, Levy will be responsible for leading and executing the organization’s strategic programs, initiatives, fundraising efforts and external relationships. As a parent, Levy understands the importance of investing in the futures of children as a tool for creating a better and more just world.

“We are thrilled to have Frances and Rose join our team,” said Steve Ortiz, CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County. “Their combined expertise and passion for community development will undoubtedly contribute to our organization’s success in elevating our impact in critical areas to meet the needs of our county’s vulnerable residents.”

About United Way of Santa Barbara County

Since 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been a key leader in local efforts to empower children, families, and communities through its own unique collaborative programs and initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development, and funding. United Way’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and families and build resilient communities by leading local programs and partnerships that improve school readiness and academic achievement, financial empowerment, and crisis response and recovery. To learn more, please visit unitedwaysb.org.