Thomas Named To Music Academy Board Of Directors
For Immediate Release November 9, 2007
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA— William S. “Tom” Thomas, a former CEO of Pacific Capital Bancorp and Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, has been named to the Board of Directors for the Music Academy of the West.
Born in Pasadena, Mr. Thomas earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration at UC Berkeley and an M.B.A degree from USC before embarking on a 38-year career in commercial banking. Following a seven-year stint with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, Mr. Thomas went to work for Security Pacific Corp. in Los Angeles for 16 years, ultimately becoming executive vice president. He joined the senior management at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust in 1994, and was named president two years later. In 2000, Mr. Thomas was appointed CEO of the bank and its holding company, Pacific Capital Bancorp. Having retired as CEO earlier this year, he now serves as Pacific Capital Bancorp’s community relations executive, overseeing the development of a foundation and working with philanthropic organizations in support of the company’s charitable causes.
Mr. Thomas previously served on boards for the Santa Barbara Symphony, the Santa Barbara Art Museum, and CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation), and is currently a trustee for the UCSB Foundation and the Courthouse Legacy Foundation (chair). He is also a board director for United Way of Santa Barbara County (chair) and Family Services Agency. In 2003, Mr. Thomas received both an Outstanding Volunteer Award from United Way and Executive of the Year honors at the ninth annual South Coast Business and Technology Awards Dinner. The Santa Barbara News-Press presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in December 2006.
“I have been a fan of the Music Academy and a believer in its mission throughout my time in Santa Barbara. I am very pleased to be part of this outstanding organization,” said Mr. Thomas.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation’s preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 175 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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