Contact Us

Reach the Santa Barbara County VOAD Executive Committee for inquiries about membership, training, and disaster preparedness collaboration.

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Executive Committee

The Executive Committee guides the collaborative efforts of Santa Barbara County VOAD. For general inquiries or to connect with a specific committee member, use the contact information below.

Chair (2016)

Kathleen Riel

Program Manager, Independent Living Resource Center

General Inquiries

James Caesar

James.Caesar@voadsbc.org

Additional Contact

D. Flynn / R. Lewin

dflynn@voadsbc.org

rlewin@voadsbc.org

Emergency Inquiries

Disaster Response

JapanEmergencyUSC@voadsbc.org

PacificTsunamiUSC@voadsbc.org

Reaching out to the Santa Barbara County VOAD Executive Committee is a meaningful first step for any organization interested in strengthening community disaster resilience. Whether your group is already active in emergency services or just beginning to explore how you can contribute, the committee welcomes inquiries about membership and collaborative opportunities. VOAD brings together diverse organizations under a shared framework, ensuring that resources, training, and volunteer efforts are coordinated effectively across the county. By contacting the committee, you open a conversation about how your organization's unique strengths can fit into the larger emergency response network. This exchange helps build a more prepared, connected community where every partner understands their role before a disaster strikes.

Membership in Santa Barbara County VOAD offers organizations access to a structured environment for sharing knowledge and planning joint responses. The Executive Committee serves as the primary point of contact for groups seeking guidance on how to align their internal preparedness efforts with countywide strategies. Through regular meetings, workshops, and information exchanges, members stay informed about emerging risks, available resources, and best practices in disaster management. The committee also helps coordinate training sessions that build practical skills for response and recovery operations. Engaging with VOAD through the contact process ensures that your organization remains connected to the broader network of agencies and volunteers committed to serving the community before, during, and after emergencies.

Disaster preparedness is most effective when it involves collaboration across many sectors, and VOAD provides the essential platform for that cooperation. The Executive Committee facilitates planning efforts that address the full spectrum of emergency management, from continuity of operations to long-term recovery. Organizations that contact VOAD gain insight into how they can contribute to functional needs support, volunteer coordination, and resource management during declared disasters. The committee also helps members navigate reimbursement processes and understand the extraordinary expenses that may arise when helping communities recover. This collaborative approach ensures that no single organization bears the full burden of disaster response, and that all partners can work together efficiently under a unified operational structure.

For those seeking to invest in community resiliency, contacting Santa Barbara County VOAD opens the door to a network dedicated to proactive disaster planning. The Executive Committee can provide guidance on upcoming events, training opportunities, and priority initiatives that align with your organization's mission. Whether you are interested in participating in preparedness workshops, contributing to planning committees, or learning about the latest tools for risk management, the committee is there to help you get involved. VOAD's emphasis on information exchange and coordinated action means that every inquiry helps strengthen the overall fabric of community readiness. By making contact, you take an important step toward building a safer, more resilient Santa Barbara County for all its residents.

Send Us a Message

Use the form below to get in touch with Santa Barbara County VOAD. We welcome questions about membership, training opportunities, and disaster preparedness resources.