By Jorge Mercado Sunday, June 8th, 2025

Santa Barbara-based Montecito Bank & Trust is growing its C-suite after the bank announced that it has promoted Heather Ames to executive vice president and chief people officer.

In this new role, Ames will join the MB&T Executive team and work alongside CEO and Chairman Janet Garufis, EVP Chief Financial Officer Bruce Stevens, EVP Chief Strategy Officer Megan Orloff, EVP Director of Wealth Management Jeff Pittman and EVP Chief Credit Officer David Porter.

Ames previously served as the bank’s director of human resources and organizational learning and played an integral role in helping to define and develop Montecito Bank & Trust’s culture.

“I feel honored and privileged to work alongside an executive team with such integrity and strong values. I began my journey with Montecito Bank & Trust over 18 years ago and have been fortunate to experience meaningful professional development and career growth opportunities that have led me to this role. I’m proud to be part of an organization that puts its people first,” Ames said.

In addition to her bank leadership role Heather, born and raised in the Santa Ynez Valley, is a trusted partner to and advocate for a number of nonprofits across the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara. Her board and various committee services include Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Barbara County, Coastal Housing Partnership, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, and Standing Together to End Sexual Assault.