President – Joe D.

Our President oversees the general operations of the club and acts as a liaison to the larger community, as well as provide leadership to our Core Group.  This is an elected position.

About Joe: I am a central coast native, born and raised. Have always loved the outdoors and camping, so finding a group like Great Outdoors was a wonderful thing for me. I have found that Great Outdoors gives me a chance to not only enjoy the many beautiful places we have here in California, but to make many new friends with some similar interests who just happen to be gay also. I love our motto, because it makes so much sense, this organization gives all the opportunity to truly get ‘out of the bars and under the stars.’ Hope to see you all at an event soon!

Contact Joe via email:  President-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org

Treasurer – Gener B.

Our Treasurer manages and organizes our groups finances.  He issues checks, makes camp reservations, and handles membership dues.  When not balancing the checkbook, he helps out where he can. Treasurer is an elected position.

About Gener: I am originally from Metro Manila, Philippines, finished high school in Atascadero, got my AA at Cuesta College in SLO and now currently living in Arroyo Grande, working as a vocational nurse (LVN) while pursuing a higher nursing degree. 

I was introduced to The Great Outdoors in 2016, and it is, by far, one of the best memberships I have ever subscribed on. The friendships I have developed, the parties I have attended, and the outdoor activities I have participated in—it’s all fantastic!

From camping to potlucks, and from holiday parties to volunteering, there are plenty of things to do. This welcoming LGBTQ outdoor group helped me get out of my shell, overcome some of my shyness and explore a little bit more about the beautiful areas of California especially right here, along the central coast. I am glad to be a part of this organization and will always cherish, the memories I make with this wonderful group.

Contact Gener via email:  Treasurer-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org  

Day Hike Coordinator, Corporate Board Rep, Vice President of Outings – Thomas L.

Our Day Hike Coordinator organizes and schedules monthly day hikes, trips, outings and other social events generally include Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.  It is an appointed position.

Our Corporate Board Rep represents our Chapter at our Quarterly Great Outdoors Corporate meetings.  They represent our chapter’s views on policies, vote, and share ideas that help all our Chapters.  They also bring information about our group back to our chapter.  Corporate Board Reps are appointed positions.

Our Vice President of Outings schedules and make arrangements for our various outings and coordinates our calendar with the other chapters of Great Outdoors.  They help coordinate other members of the Core Group.  This is an elected position.

About Thomas: I grew up on a ranch near Colorado Springs, Colorado and moved to Santa Barbara in 1971 to attend Brooks Institute of Photography.  Since 1989 I have been teaching art history at Santa Barbara City College.  I am eternally grateful for living in this region with its easy access to a huge variety and number of interesting and beautiful trails that provide rewarding hiking experiences.  In addition to the outdoors I enjoy great indoor activities such as museums, theatre, reading and making art.

Contact Thomas via one of these emails depending upon which hat he is wearing: 

   DayHikeCoordinator-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org
   BoardRep-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org
   VPO-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org

Secretary – Emmanuel G. Our Secretary records our monthly meetings and distributes the minutes to corporate and our core Group.  It is an appointed position. About Emmanuel:  Contact Emmanuel via email:  Secretary-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org

Webmaster – Chris F.

Our Webmaster is responsible for maintaining our chapter’s web site, posting events, and emailing newsblasts. It is an appointed position.

About Chris: I moved to Southern California, from Illinois, in the summer of 2003. Soon after that, I discovered the Great Outdoors. The best thing about Great Outdoors is the fun people I meet while going on trips, most of these people are my best friends. Volunteering for this outdoors group is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done, and I've held numerous positions at the chapter and Corporate level.  My favorite outside activities are snow skiing, road cycling, geocaching, and photography. I have other hobbies such as knitting, Rubik's cube, and vegetarian cooking.

Contact Chris via email:  Webmaster-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org

Membership Coordinator – Todd S.

Our Membership Coordinator organizes and keeps our member registry current, sends reminders to members who need to renew, updates our contact list.  It is an appointed position.

About Todd: Bio coming soon.

Contact Todd via email:  Membership-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org

Special Events Coordinator – Howard L.

The Special Events Coordinator organizes monthly potlucks and other social events.  Our potlucks cover the entire Central Coast area, including Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.  This is a very important social position within our group.  It is an appointed position.

About Howard: Bio coming soon.

Contact Howard via email:  SpecialEventsCoordinator-SBVC@GreatOutdoors.org