Leslie Velez Named Director of Development for Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra

Leslie Velez, an accomplished fundraising and retail sales professional, has been named director of development for the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra. Her appointment was effective August 3.

A native of Indiana, Ms. Velez most recently served as director of individual giving at the Santa Monica Museum of Art, where among other duties she managed annual fund operations, membership services, major gift solicitations, and exclusive donor events. She joined the staff of the contemporary art museum in 2012 as a development associate before being promoted to the position of foundation and corporate relations manager the following year. Previously, Ms. Velez held successive sales positions at Paige's Music in Indianapolis and Nick Rail Music in Santa Barbara. She holds a bachelor's degree in music performance from Indianapolis' Butler University as well as a master's degree in specialized journalism from the University of Southern California, and has completed training at the Grantsmanship Center in Los Angeles.

In her new role, Ms. Velez will oversee all philanthropic outreach for the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra.

"We are delighted to have Leslie join our team. Her leadership and expertise in the nonprofit sector will be welcome assets as we bolster our fundraising capabilities," said Chamber Orchestra Executive Director Kevin A. Martin.

Founded in 1978, the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra is devoted to presenting concerts and programming of exceptional quality, and to fostering engagement with classical music among community members of all ages. The organization's reputation for excellence has long attracted musicians of uncommon achievement. Current and former SBCO musicians perform with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Opera, Pacific Symphony, and the Santa Barbara Symphony. Acclaimed conductor Heiichiro Ohyama has served as music director of the ensemble since 1982. For more information, visit www.sbco.org.