Star Report

Former Midland School administrator Rebecca Anderson is now the Director of Development for Ganna Walksa Lotusland in Santa Barbara. Anderson is stepping in to Anne Dewey’s position as Dewey transitions to her new role as Director of Planned Giving. Anderson’s unbridled enthusiasm translates to both maintain the strong member relations we now enjoy as well as to forge new partnerships that will allow Lotusland to continue to thrive well into the future.

“I am delighted to join the Lotusland staff, the committed volunteers and supporters and contribute to the continued success of this vibrant cultural asset,” Anderson said.

Anderson recently served as the Director of Advancement for Midland School, a private boarding high-school just north of Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley. Anderson was the first professional Director of Development for the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara and was the Manager of Annual Giving at Cottage Health System where she worked with the Cottage Associates and was responsible for the Tiara Ball gala and the Children’s Miracle Network telethon.

Anderson’s commitment to nonprofits has also been demonstrated by her work with CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation), as a trustee of Santa Barbara Middle School and as a member of the Board of Leading from Within, a leadership development program for Santa Barbara County. She also served as a Board member and Co-President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties and earned a CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certificate. Anderson completed her BA at the University of California Santa Cruz and earned her MA in Organizational Management from Antioch University.

Anderson lives with her husband and their two daughters in Santa Barbara, where they enjoy working on their home and garden, spending time with their extended family, and soaking in the beauty and culture of Santa Barbara.