The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director, Museum of Ventura County
Joined the SDF Board of Directors in October 2024
Elena Brokaw has devoted her career to creating stronger communities.
Elena earned her bachelor’s degree in art history at Harvard University. She has worked extensively as a cultural consultant, for communities as well as organizations. As a lead consultant for the firm Jerry Allen and Associates, she completed Cultural Plans for the cities of Reno, Nevada; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Capitola, California. She has also facilitated public art planning processes for San Diego, California; Reno; and Minneapolis.
In her professional career, she has served as fundraising and development director for multiple organizations including the American Film Institute, was the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department in Ventura California for over a decade, and currently serves as The Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director at the Museum of Ventura County. At the Museum, her goal is to spark curiosity, instill compassion, and foster connection, and she works to ensure that everyone’s story and history is preserved for generations to come.
Elena has served on many regional boards, including Women’s Economic Ventures, Ventura County Social Justice Fund, and the Ventura College Community Foundation. She is a member of the Harvard Selection Committee and is on the faculty of the Cal Lutheran University Center for Nonprofit Leadership, providing instruction in organizational development and leadership.
Elena toured SDF in early 2024 and her mind and imagination were awakened to the power of SDF’s program and organization. From that time forward, she found herself bringing up SDF in conversations as she is proud to live in a community that’s home to a national non-profit doing such amazing work. When the chance arose to join the board she acted like a working search dog – she did not let go of the opportunity until she had achieved her goal.
Elena grew up in Ventura County and lives with her husband and son in Santa Paula.