Ann Foxworthy, former superintendent of Allan Hancock College, scholar, and community member, has dedicated her time to seeking ways to enrich her own life and address the needs of those around her. This drive for a vibrant life, fueled by a thriving community, has been a lifelong pursuit for Foxworthy, now rooted in Santa Ynez.
Ann Foxworthy’s dedication to giving back and her passion for seeing her community flourish are perhaps best exemplified by her leadership in fundraising efforts for Marian Regional Medical Center and the Solvang Festival Theater—two local pillars in the community. 
“I was familiar with both these facilities, and this is why anyone should be encouraged [to pursue philanthropy and volunteer work]. First, you see a need, and then you want to fulfill this need,” said Foxworthy.
At the time, Marian Regional Hospital faced a major financial challenge when recent earthquakes in Los Angeles prompted new hospital building regulations. If Marian could not adhere to these regulations, it would face closure. Foxworthy stepped in, utilizing her expertise in leadership and fundraising to help the board raise $15 million, enabling the facility’s reconstruction and continued operation.
“Why do you get involved? Because you want to live in a vibrant community that provides the kind of services, and opportunities, and entertainment to have a rich life,” Foxworthy said.
When the Solvang Festival Theatre, a cherished community theatre established in 1974, needed reconstruction, Foxworthy assumed a leadership role to help raise the $4.5 million needed during the pandemic.
“Everyone thought we were crazy: raising $4.5 million in Solvang?” she said.
But Foxworthy, determined as ever, dedicated her time and expertise to meeting the goal, ensuring the theatre’s successful reconstruction.
Foxworthy’s approach to philanthropy lies in self-reflection: “Everyone wants to live in a vibrant community. [Donors] need to find where they want to see improvement in their community, ask themselves where their interests lie,” she said.
“To widen the scope of our giving, I encourage a potential donor to consider a gift to the Santa Barbara Foundation,” she added. “That way, a donor can support an organization with greater understanding and knowledge of issues and the potential to move toward solutions or improvements.”
Foxworthy’s approach to philanthropy is informed by decades of leadership in education. In 1992, she became the first female superintendent of Allan Hancock College, where she spearheaded efforts to modernize classrooms with technology, expand transfer guarantee programs, and helped establish the college’s viticulture program, an initiative that bridges education with the region’s thriving wine industry.
“I delighted in starting their viticulture program. It’s essential to offer programs that benefit the community, and here we have this whole wine industry. I thought, why don’t we have a wine program here to prepare students for transfer disciplines?” said Foxworthy.
She added, “I was very proud. I had to work around it because presidents don’t create curriculum, but I strongly encouraged it and worked with others to help get it off the ground.”
Foxworthy also played a key role in launching the Allan Hancock College Foundation and oversaw a $4 million campaign to modernize the campus.
Foxworthy’s path to leadership was anything but conventional. Originally from San Diego, she attended UC Berkeley with plans to become a dental hygienist. However, a single art history class changed her trajectory. Balancing her passion for art with her practical studies, she ultimately earned her dental hygiene certification and a degree in art history.
Foxworthy’s academic journey continued as she pursued a PhD in higher education leadership, a decision fueled by her constant desire to contribute more. This experience further solidified her belief in the transformative power of community colleges.
“I never planned on being in administration, but I kept thinking—maybe I should do more, I could do more,” she said.
This philosophy remains at the heart of her work. Today, Foxworthy stays active in philanthropy through the Los Olivos Rotary, supporting local nonprofits and fostering connections within her community. Though still deeply engaged with her community, she looks forward to traveling again this year—continuing her lifelong pursuit of enriching both her own life and the lives of those around her.
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