With over 33 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jackie Carrera has a deep commitment to creating thriving communities for everyone. She focuses on developing exemplary teams which have advanced national models for a range of issue areas, including urban parks, forestry, watershed restoration and ecosystem research, job training and workforce development, and innovative programming for youth. Capital projects include the development of an award-winning historic restoration project on a  nine-acre parcel in the heart of Baltimore City, MD that included the construction of a 10,000sf Platinum LEED-certified office and community space.
 

Jackie Carrera currently serves as President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF), Central Coast, California’s largest community foundation. Since assuming this role in 2020, Jackie has built partnerships and facilitated community philanthropy to support the region's vulnerable populations and working families. Her recent work includes Youth Mental Health, Housing Affordability and COVID-19 Joint Response Effort in Santa Barbara County, which collectively have provided millions of dollars in support to the region. Jackie is a Licensed Consultant with the Standards for Excellence® Institute, and for nearly 22 years she served as the President & CEO of the Parks & People Foundation in Maryland. Jackie received her BBA in Finance from Loyola University in Maryland.