Robin Elander new Interim Executive Director of Downtown Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Downtown Santa Barbara named Robin Elander as its new interim Executive Director on Wednesday.

Elander has been the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration for the past five years, a role she will continue along with her new duties. She takes over during a time of great uncertainty. The pandemic has shut down many local businesses putting people out of work.

“It’s going to take us all working together to recover, innovate and grow in these unprecedented circumstances.  Let’s get the conversations started and make some downtown magic happen,” said Elander.

Downtown Santa Barbara includes more than 1,200 members and is the city's largest Business Improvement District. It promotes downtown businesses, non-profits and associate members.

Elander takes over her new job on May 11, 2020. Her career began in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1999 working on large scale projects. She then moved to the City of Ventura in 2002. In 2011, Elander supported the start up efforts of Impact Hub, now KIVA SB. She also has extensive event experience working for the Fund for Santa Barbara and other non profits in town.

Elander has a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Management.