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Who We Are » Leadership

Foundation Staff

Meet our Executive Director

Lauren Trujillo, MLIS, CFRE, is the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation. She first came to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB where she received a B.A. in History. She received her Masters in Library and Information Science from UCLA and has worked with several nonprofits and organizations in Santa Barbara, CA including the Isla Vista Memorial Project, the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. She sits on the board for the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, United for Libraries, Women’s Literary Voices, the Northside Optimist Club, Association for Fundraising Professionals, Environmental Defense Center, and is a member of the Junior League of Santa Barbara. Lauren was recently named a 2024 Local Hero by the Santa Barbara Independent.

Lauren can be reached at director@sblibraryfoundation.org.

Chyrss Yost, is Santa Barbara Poet Laureate from 2013–2015, is an award-winning poet, editor, and educator whose work has appeared in publications around the world. As co-editor and designer of Gunpowder Press and a longtime advocate for poetry education, Chryss brings a deep appreciation for literature, creativity, and lifelong learning to the Foundation.

Luke Swetland is President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Previously, he served as Interim Head and Vice President of Planning & Special Projects at the Autry National Center (2008–2012), where he oversaw the relocation and stewardship of two research libraries alongside a collection of more than 500,000 artifacts, led major capital and renovation projects, and managed institutional strategy and public-sector partnerships.

Ally Meier, CFP®, CDFA®, CPFA, is a Financial Advisor with Arlington Financial Advisors who specializes in financial planning, retirement strategies, tax planning, and wealth management. A committed community volunteer and former Junior League of Santa Barbara board member, Ally is passionate about helping individuals and families thrive while making a positive impact in the community.