George Leis

George joined Montecito Bank & Trust in July 2016, after over 33 years in the financial services industry. Beginning his banking career with Security Pacific National Bank in Retail and Commercial Banking, George has held various positions at both multi-national and regional financial institutions. Before joining the Bank, he was a Managing Director for MUFG Union Bank, N.A following the sale of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust (SBB&T) where he was President and CEO of Pacific Capital Bancorp (PCBC), a $7 billion in assets community bank holding company that included SBB&T. Prior to 2006, Leis was a managing director, U.S. products head and national practice leader for investments at Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management. He also served as SVP and Director of the private client services center at Wells Fargo, and as SVP and Manager for Bank of America Private Bank.

A self-proclaimed animal lover and car enthusiast, George lives in Santa Barbara but spends a lot of time driving across the Bank’s footprint to visit the branches and meet with clients. When he is not at the office, George enjoys free time with his wife and his two dogs and tinkering with whatever the latest gadgets are that he can get his hands on.

• A graduate of California State University, Northridge
• Certified Trust and Financial Advisor
• Board Chair of the YMCA of the USA
• Board member of the California Bankers Association (past Chair), California State University Northridge, Channel Islands YMCA, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (past Chair).
• Prior Board roles include the Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce and Old Mission Santa Barbara
• Awards include:
  • The Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2019 Volunteer of the Year
  • The CSUCI Robert J. Lagomarsino Award in 2014
  • The CIYMCA Golden Triangle of Distinguished Service award in 2014
  • CSUN Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013
  • CSUCI's Business & Technology Partnership's 2011 Business and Community Leader of the Year
• Member of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, since 1981