OUR TEAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(805) 568-3992 sarah@sbac.ca.gov
Sarah York Rubin’s expansive background in international arts and culture production includes establishing the DC Indie Music Fest, recording cartoon voiceovers for MTV and Comedy Central, hosting public radio talk shows, DJing, consulting for ACE hotel and the Carnegie Museum of Art, and writing for the Andy Warhol Museum.
From 2008-2016, she was the Executive Director of Pittsburgh’s Hillman Center for Performing Arts. At The Hillman, she presented Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winning artists, and partnered with Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, Lakeshore Entertainment, and Lifetime to host on-location filming. She had the honor of working with local youth leaders to establish a weekly Farmers Market and annual citywide MLK Day of Service.
A Fulbright Scholar, Sarah received a B.A. from the University of Michigan Honors College, a M.A. from Carnegie Mellon University and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University’s School of Public Policy.
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS MANAGER
(805) 568-3990 hannah@sbac.ca.gov
Hannah Rubalcava has lived and worked in Santa Barbara County for over 20 years and was born and raised on the Central Coast. Before coming to work for the County, Hannah served as a 4th District Arts Commissioner for two years and was the Executive Director of the Orcutt Children’s Arts Foundation for six years.
Hannah graduated with honors from Chico State University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Community and Commercial Recreation Management, and University of La Verne where she received her MBA with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.
CURATOR
tpazderka@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
Tom Pazderka has worked as Lead Preparator for the County since 2017, and became a curator in 2023. He is an interdisciplinary artist, painter, sculptor and writer. His work encompasses a wide range of disciplines and interests, from painting and sculpture to writing and performance.
In his role as Curator, Pazderka aids with exhibition design development and installation of works in galleries and public spaces. He also assists with the handling and movement of works in the County and City’s permanent collections and works on loan for gallery exhibitions. Pazderka’s expert installation skills have assisted with gallery exhibitions, design and public art installation countywide, including at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art- Santa Barbara and UCSB AD&A Museum.
Tom received his B.F.A. from Western Carolina University and his M.F.A. from University of California, Santa Barbara.
PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Nicolas Ragheb has recently moved into the governmental arts and culture space after years as an academic researcher and university professor in the field of ethnomusicology. Prior to his current position he was working as the director of a university music program in the Republic of Cabo Verde in West Africa. He maintains an active career as a performing musician and teacher, is a dedicated woodworker, and has a passion for community-centered work in the cultural sector.
Nicholas received a B.S. in Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University, a M.Mus. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
LEAD INSTALLER
Christian Ramirez is a dedicated local with a passion for transforming the community through the power of art. Christian takes pride in installing pieces that not only beautify the surroundings but also contribute to the cultural tapestry of Santa Barbara.
Christian’s journey in the realm of art is fueled by a desire to see the city thrive aesthetically and culturally. With a specialized focus on installation, Christian is committed to ensuring that every piece of art is presented with meticulous care and precision to preserve its unique essence.
Christian holds an AS-T in Administrative Justice and an AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Santa Barbara City College. Currently, Christian is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Administrative Justice at the University of Phoenix.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ASSOCIATE
Emily Donelan was born and raised in Santa Barbara County and studies Politics at the University of California, Santa Cruz with a minor in Middle Eastern and North African Studies. Emily is a passionate advocate for the arts and public policy. Before coming to the Office of Arts and Culture in 2023, Emily served as a research assistant to the Provost of Stevenson College at UCSC. In 2022, she was selected for the competitive Humanities Institute Experiential Travel Fellowship at UCSC and was granted the opportunity to travel to Egypt with a group of fellows and professors. She was also selected as a 2023-24 Stevenson College Junior Fellow, and will begin co-teaching a university course in January 2024. Emily plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in public policy, with a focus on social programs and community development.
STAFF SUPPORT:
Margarita Martin del Campo has provided Spanish-language translation services for the Office since 2016.
