President & Chief Operating Officer, Montecito Bank & Trust
Joined the SDF Board of Directors in August 2017
George joined Montecito Bank & Trust in July, 2016. Montecito Bank & Trust is a $1.3 billion in assets community bank with over 240 employees serving the Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Santa Ynez communities.
Previously, Leis was president and chief executive officer of Pacific Capital Bancorp (PCBC), a $7 billion in assets community bank holding company that included SBB&T. PCBC had more than 1,000 employees and 47 branches.
Leis’ community involvement is exemplified through his service to universities and charities throughout Southern California. He serves as Chairman Elect for the Western Bankers Association, Vice Chair for the YMCA of the USA, and sits on the board of the SB Zoo, Channel Islands YMCA, SB Historical Museum, SB Botanic Garden, and the Cal State University Northridge (CSUN).
As a distinguished CSUN alumnus, he has participated on numerous other CSUN boards, including the College of Business and Economics advisory board and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Ambassadors.
His successful career and passionate involvement in community-focused organizations have earned Leis several awards including the Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2019 Volunteer of the Year; the CSUCI Robert J. Lagomarsino Award in 2014; the CIYMCA Golden Triangle of Distinguished Service award in 2014; CSUN Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013; and CSUCI’s Business & Technology Partnership’s 2011 Business and Community Leader of the Year.