Melissa Fontaine

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” — Rachel Carson

Melissa Fontaine joined Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in 2026 as executive operations and strategic initiatives manager, and she also serves as the Board of Trustees liaison.

Melissa brings more than 15 years of experience serving the Santa Barbara County community. Prior to joining the Garden, she held leadership and programmatic roles with the Orfalea Foundation; Foodbank of Santa Barbara County; University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB); Community Environmental Council; and LegacyWorks Group, advancing initiatives in food systems, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

Born in Colombia and raised in Miami, Florida, Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences from New College of Florida and a master’s degree in environmental science and management from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UCSB. She also holds certificates in permaculture design and Salesforce and serves on the Steering Committee of Ellwood Friends. Outside of work, you’ll often find her elbow-deep in a garden bed on the sunset side of Goleta, California.