Granada Adds Two Members to Board

The Santa Barbara theatre named Morgan Bennett and Robert Montgomery to its Board of Directors, citing their expertise in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, law and business.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in People

Granada Theatre added Morgan Bennett and Robert Montgomery to its Board of Directors. Granada officials said the appointments bring additional expertise in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, law and business.

Why it matters

The appointments add governance experience to the Santa Barbara theatre's board, drawing on backgrounds in nonprofit work, philanthropy and corporate law. Board composition shapes how a local arts organization plans and funds its work.

Robert Montgomery spent about 40 years at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, leading its Business & Finance Practice Group for the final 15 of those years. Morgan Bennett brings roughly 20 years of nonprofit and philanthropic experience to the board.

The players

Granada Theatre

A Santa Barbara performing arts venue that presents live theatre and events for the region.

Robert Montgomery

A former partner-level attorney who spent about 40 years at the international law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and also serves on the boards of the United Way of Santa Barbara and Duke University School of Law.

Morgan Bennett

A philanthropy and nonprofit professional who advises on arts and family giving at SoCal Grantmakers and is a member of The Foundation Roundtable.

The details

Morgan Bennett works as an advisor for arts and family philanthropy at SoCal Grantmakers and serves as a trustee of the Schiele Family Foundation alongside her parents. Robert Montgomery served as senior vice president of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, helped plan the 1984 Olympic Games, and chaired CAMA's board for eight years.

The appointments were announced by the Granada Theatre; no specific appointment date was provided.

Market Landscape

Arts nonprofits across California increasingly recruit board members with philanthropic and legal backgrounds to strengthen fundraising and governance. The Granada appointments follow that pattern by adding a longtime corporate attorney and a grantmaking professional.

For Santa Barbara theatergoers and donors, board changes at the Granada can influence programming priorities and how the theatre raises funds. Local supporters may see more emphasis on philanthropy and governance as the new members take their seats.

The takeaway

Board appointments that bring legal and philanthropic expertise can strengthen how a community arts organization is run. Readers interested in local nonprofit leadership can track future board announcements from the Granada Theatre.