In front of a standing-room only crowd, the board voted in new members and presented its slate of officers. Guest speaker and regularSanta Barbara News-Press columnist James Wapotich gave an engaging presentation with photos of his experiences in the back country trails.
Three new board members, Kyle Slattery, Mike Stein, and James Aviani were introduced. Joining as Treasurer, Kyle Slattery is a Santa Barbara native and outdoor enthusiast, and currently works as a CPA for the County of Santa Barbara Auditor-Controller. Slattery graduated summa cum laude from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he studied business, accounting, and economics, and served as Chair of the college¹s Student Accounting Advisory Council.
Avid hiker, Mike Stein is the new Administrative Advisor. Stein has extensive executive experience in high growth and technology firms, and specializes in financial planning, strategy development, operations, and accounting. He is currently a principal at CFO Consulting, LLC, and has previously held executive positions at Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts, Miramar Systems, and Alert Cellular. Stein has long been involved in Santa Barbara’s nonprofit community, serving on the Sansum Foundation Board of Trustees, Hospice of Santa Barbara Foundation board, and the Girls Inc. Audit Committee.
James Aviani has enjoyed running the front country trails since moving to Santa Barbara over 25 years ago and will serve as the new MTF Board Technology Advisor. Aviani holds a variety of patents in software design and is currently a Vice President at Citrix Online. He has held executive positions at Cisco Systems, Realtor.com, and ValueClick. Aviani looks forward to helping MTF use the latest technology tools to find new ways to connect to its constituents.
Incoming president, Bobbi King, is an elite cyclist, trail-runner, and equestrian. She has more than 25 years of service on the MTF board and has spearheaded the significant effort of maintaining the trails.
“I am really excited about this infusion of talent and energy to the board,” said King. “I am looking forward to some great ideas and brainstorming sessions, especially concerning our objective of finding creative ways to increase awareness of the importance of our trails — and encouraging everyone to join us as stewards of this amazing resource.”
In other changes to the Board, outgoing President Kevin Snow will now step into the Vice President position. Sheila Snow will continue as Board Secretary.
About Montecito Trails Foundation:
Established in 1964, the Montecito Trails Foundation maintains approximately 200 miles of scenic trails popular with hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians throughout Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria. MTF is an active liaison with local government, playing a key role in the acquisition and acceptance of trails by the County of Santa Barbara and working with landowners to negotiate trail easements. MTF is a volunteer organization funded solely through tax-deductible membership dues and donations.