Eelings Park Foundation taps George Leis to lead nonprofit
The Elings Park Foundation has appointed George S. Leis to become its executive director on Dec. 1. Leis is a well-known veteran local banker and nonprofit leader, and a passionate champion of community-focused organizations throughout the Central Coast and nationally.
He most recently served as the executive vice president and market president for CalPrivate Bank’s Montecito office, leading the bank’s commercial and private banking arms and helping expand the bank’s operations into Santa Barbara. He previously worked as the president and COO of Montecito Bank & Trust for many years.
Leis is the immediate past board chair of the YMCA of the USA; past Board Chair of the California Bankers Association, Channel Islands YMCA, the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, and the Santa Barbara Zoo; and has served as a Trustee, finance committee member and centennial committee member of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in banking, particularly the opportunity to serve so many wonderful customers on the Central Coast since 2007 — many of whom are now dear friends,” said Leis. “My years of work in the nonprofit community have been equally rewarding, and I have reached a point in my life where I am ready to transition full-time to focusing on investing in my community.”
