Jessica Tade Named Deputy Director of Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) is pleased to announce that Jessica Tade has been appointed as its Deputy Director, effective March 13, 2023.

Tade, who holds a PhD in art history from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), has worked more than a decade for organizations either promoting the arts or providing access and opportunity to the community.  Among other positions, she has served as the director of communications and marketing for the Santa Barbara Foundation, director of marketing and communications for the Santa Barbara City College Foundation, and as the executive director of Casa del Herrero, a historic house museum and National Landmark in Montecito.

In addition to her professional positions, Tade has an outstanding record of community service and volunteerism. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation and was a commissioner for the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission and the Human Services Commission of Santa Barbara County. She is also the recipient of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ 40 Under 40 Award.

In her new capacity at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Tade will be working closely with Executive Director Greg Gorga, initially overseeing operations and marketing, before adding additional responsibilities in the future.

Of her appointment, Gorga said, “I am delighted to have Jessica join the museum. She brings a wealth of experience in museum management, strategic planning, and communications that will enable the museum to move forward in exciting new ways. With more than 10 years of work in various local nonprofit organizations, Jessica is also uniquely qualified to help us expand our collaborations with other museums and groups in the area.”