Jill Rode

Jill Rode has been a professional fundraiser on the Central Coast for 30 years. Previously held positions include Chief Development Officer of the American Red Cross Central Coast Region, Director of Development for the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Director of Development for the Santa Barbara Symphony. Prior to joining the Music Academy, Jill was the Chief Development Officer of the Channel Islands YMCA where she supervised the fundraising of seven branches of the Y; including annual campaigns, planned giving, grants, and special events.

Recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the Fundraiser of the Year in 2004, Jill Rode has a special affinity for legacy gifts, and recently spoke at the National Conference on Philanthropic Planning on Legacy Societies. During her tenure at the YMCA, Jill helped steward the growth of the endowment from under $4 million to nearly $10 million. Jill Rode earned a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Jill Rode has been an active community volunteer, having served as President of the Junior League of Santa Barbara and of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Currently, Jill serves on the board of National Charity League and the PTSA of San Marcos High School, and volunteers for Dream Foundation's Flower Empower program.