The Granada Theatre is excited to welcome two of Santa Barbara’s most influential women to its board. With their passion for the arts and the local community, Janet Garufis and Stephanie Nicks are great additions to the Board of Directors.
“With the exciting 100th anniversary of the theater coming up in 2024, we look forward to collaborating with Janet and Stephanie to advance the theater’s mission and create unforgettable experiences for the community,” said Palmer Jackson, Jr., Chairman of The Granada Theatre.
Lifelong Theater Lover
Janet Garufis is best known as Chairman and CEO of the Montecito Bank & Trust. She is active in many non-profits and industry associations including chairing the Santa Barbara Symphony Board of Directors and serving on multiple boards.
“I have LOVED the theatre since my parents took me to see My Fair Lady at the Shrine Auditorium when I was five. I spent my High School years performing in all my school’s theatre arts productions,” said Garufis.
Garufis shared that love of theater with the late Michael Towbes, former chairman of Montecito Bank & Trust and an ardent supporter of The Granada Theatre.
“When Palmer asked me to join the Board, I was delighted to say yes and to carry on the legacy of support and commitment personally and as the Chairman and CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust,” she said. “I hope to be able to help make the dream of a “Center” for the Performing Arts a reality.”
Creative Marketing Pro
As a professional with a film, fashion, and marketing background, Stephanie Nicks brings a creative eye to elevating The Granada as a member of its Board of Directors.
“The Granada Theatre has always been such an icon in the Santa Barbara community that when Palmer Jackson Jr. invited me to take a seat at that board, I was so honored and excited,” said Nicks. “I hope to collaborate with the marketing committee and create exciting new experiences, which will celebrate the Granada Theatre with all the panache it deserves.”
In addition to Garufis and Nicks, the 2023-24 Granada Theatre Board of Directors includes: Palmer Jackson, Jr. Chairman, F. Robert Miller III, Vice Chair, Roberta Griffin, Treasurer, Merryl Snow Zegar, Secretary, Sarah Schlinger Chrisman, and Yvette Birch Giller, At Large Members and Tariqh Akoni, Leslie Bains, Dan Burnham, Brooks Firestone, Rick Fogg, Charles C. Gray, Jamie Maguire, and Maria Schmidt.
Garufis and Nicks’s term began on August 14, 2023, and runs through June 30, 2026.