Financial Services Professional and Community-Focused Advocate
Joined the SDF Board of Directors in August 2017
George is a skilled financial services professional and passionate champion of community-focused organizations, with 42 years of service to customers and communities in California as well as nationally. He most recently served as President & COO / President & CEO of two Santa Barbara-based community banks and has a demonstrated track record in overseeing all banking operations.
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 Santa Barbara 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.
George is honored to serve on the Search Dog Foundation’s Board of Directors. He first became acquainted with SDF in 2015 and was immediately drawn to the agency’s mission to provide highly-trained search teams to respond to disasters and give second chances to rescued dogs. A strong advocate for the organization, George is a pet parent who shares his Santa Barbara home with his dogs Chloe, Daisy, and Harry.