Regina Ruiz Named Director of Development at Unity Shoppe

Unity Shoppe, a nonprofit serving families in Santa Barbara County, has appointed Dr. Regina Ruiz as its Director of Development. Ruiz brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, strategic communications, and community engagement. She will oversee the organization’s fundraising strategy, including major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, donor stewardship, and signature events such as the 2nd Annual Kenny Loggins Pickleball in the Danger Zone Tournament and the 40th Annual Unity Shoppe Telethon. Ruiz earned a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, where her dissertation examined how nonprofits can thrive during crises. Her research focused on Santa Barbara’s nonprofit sector, interviewing local leaders to identify resilient practices. Working with Executive Director/CEO Angela Miller‑Bevan, the board, volunteers, and community partners, Ruiz aims to expand philanthropic support for Unity Shoppe’s mission of providing food, clothing, and essential resources with dignity and choice to families throughout the county.