George S. Leis

Board Member

George S. Leis is a longtime Santa Barbara-area banking executive and community leader with more than four decades of experience in banking, philanthropy and nonprofit governance. He currently serves as Market President for CalPrivate Bank’s Montecito Private Banking Office, where he leads the Bank’s private and commercial banking activities and community engagement throughout the Santa Barbara and Montecito region.

Throughout his career, George has combined business leadership with a deep commitment to nonprofit and civic service. He is Immediate Past Chair of YMCA of the USA, the national organization supporting YMCAs and the communities they serve across the country and serves as Board Chair of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. His local and regional service has included leadership roles with the Channel Islands YMCA, Santa Barbara Historical Museum, California State University, Northridge, and numerous other civic, educational and philanthropic organizations.

George’s banking career has included senior executive positions with some of California’s most prominent community and private banking organizations. Prior to joining CalPrivate Bank, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Montecito Bank & Trust. Earlier in his career, he served as President and CEO Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and held senior leadership positions with MUFG Union Bank, Deutsche Bank, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Security Pacific National Bank.

A graduate of California State University, Northridge, George has been recognized for both professional and community leadership. His honors include the Association of Fundraising Professionals Volunteer of the Year Award, the Channel Islands YMCA Golden Triangle of Distinguished Service Award, the CSUN Distinguished Alumni Award, and CSU Channel Islands’ Business and Community Leader of the Year recognition.

George is proud to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and to support its mission of conserving California native plants and habitats and connecting people to the natural world.