CEC Builds Capacity for Halting the Climate Crisis
SANTA BARBARA —The Community Environmental Council (CEC) recently welcomed new staff members as it expands its bold climate action across California’s Central Coast region.
The Community Environmental Council welcomed two new staff members and transitioned three staff members to new titles in recent months. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and local experience, building CEC’s capacity to go all in on halting the climate crisis — rapidly and equitably.
New staff members include:
Katie Hershfelt. Courtesy photos.
Katie Hershfelt, Communications and Marketing Director, joined CEC in 2014 as a Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival production partner and communications consultant. Katie also played an integral role in establishing the communications and marketing plan for the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network, a sustainable, local food system initiative that CEC helped establish. As the communications and marketing director, she now leads the development and implementation of equitable, inclusive, and effective communications to engage and activate community members across all of CEC’s programs. Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in international studies at the University of California, Irvine. She has lived in Santa Barbara for almost twenty years and has deep ties to the California Central Coast community.
Tiffany Sgueglia.
Tiffany Sgueglia, Development Database Manager, joined CEC in 2024 to advance CEC’s ability to build, grow, and sustain strong donor relationships. Previously, Tiffany worked as the Development Manager for Wags and Walks in LA and as senior program manager for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. While at Second Harvest, she established strategic partnerships, spearheaded a region-wide COVID-19 relief strategy, and distributed fresh groceries to over 500,000 people. Tiffany holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Arizona.
Kat Orellana.
Kat Orellana, Climate Programs Associate, joined CEC in 2024 to support climate justice outreach and community engagement. Before joining CEC, Kat worked on endangered species conservation projects and researched the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the tourism industry on communities and the environment. She is passionate about environmental conservation and climate justice, and seeks to empower local communities to implement climate solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Kat holds a dual Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Sciences from Duke University and a Master of Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UCSB. She is from New York, but has lived and worked in Brazil, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, and Australia. In her free time, she likes to go to the beach, go backpacking, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
Three staff members transitioned to new titles within CEC. They are:
- Jillian Hall, Senior Communications Associate (previously Communications Associate)
- Sean McArthur, Climate Projects Manager (previously Climate Programs Associate)
- Michael Sarrassat, Climate Program Operations Manager (previously Climate Programs Manager)
Jilian Hall.
Sean McArthur.
Michael Sarrassat.
Visit www.cecsb.org to see full bios for CEC’s staff members.
About the Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and 2020 City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC has worked since 1970 to incubate and innovate real life environmental solutions that directly affect the California Central Coast. Our current work advances rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis – including ambitious zero carbon goals, drawdown of excess carbon, and protection against the impacts of climate change. Our programs lead to clean vehicles, solar energy, resilient food systems and reduction of single-use plastic. Learn more about why CEC is one of only five nonprofits in Santa Barbara County to have the highest possible ratings on Charity Navigator and Guidestar at CECSB.org/impact. Find CEC on the web at CECSB.org and on Facebook.com/CECSB,Instagram.com/CEC_SB, and LinkedIn.com/CECSB.