Date: December 12, 2024
To: Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee Voting Members and Interested County Residents
After deep reflection and careful consideration of my ability, vision, and unwavering commitment to lead, I am officially declaring my candidacy for Chairman of the Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee. This is not a decision I take lightly, and I am ready to dedicate myself fully to ensuring our committee achieves its maximum potential.
An effective Central Committee is not built on the efforts of one person but thrives on the united leadership of its members at every level. This is OUR committee, not MY committee. True success will only be achieved through the collective strength, capability, and dedication of district caucus members, district chairs, and our officers, including the Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice Chairs.
We need leadership that empowers every member of this committee to contribute meaningfully, collaborate effectively, and advance our shared Republican values with purpose and determination. I ask for your vote to elect me as Chairman and help drive this committee toward unparalleled success. Together, we will rise to the challenges ahead and deliver the leadership our party and community deserve. The time for strong, united leadership is now. Let’s get it done!
Please see below for information that supports my qualifications to hold the office of Committee Chair and my vision for The Way Forward. I look forward to discussion and any questions you may have, I am available to everyone by phone or email or via the contact/endorse form here.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nick Sebastian
Vision: I believe in a transparent and collaborative governance approach where every committee member has access to critical documents like budgets, contracts, and treasurer's reports. Our meetings will be a platform for open debate, ensuring all voices are heard.
Immediate Action Plan:
Strategic and Fiscal Strategy:
Develop a comprehensive budget with regular updates for all members.
Enhance fundraising efforts.
Implement rigorous treasurer reporting, audits, and open books policy.
Foster stronger ties with the State GOP and neighboring county committees.
Resource Accessibility:
Create a centralized, accessible repository for:
Policies and procedures
Organizational charts
Contact information for committee members and alternates
Meeting agendas and minutes
Training materials
Clearly define roles and responsibilities for:
Officers, Executive Committee, Vice Chairs, Caucus Chairs
Standing Committees including Budget, Bylaws, Fundraising, Technology, and Communications
The Way Forward
Resume and Qualifications
Professional Experience
Santa Barbara Unified School District
30 years as an employee, plus 2 years as a consultant post-retirement
Administrative Roles:
Information Technology Director/Manager/Interim
Research & Evaluation Interim Director
Committee member for Retiree Insurance review
Key Achievements:
Managed student records, health systems, and implemented Medi-Cal activities generating nearly $900,000.
Oversaw general ledger, payroll, and technology liaison roles.
Focus I.T. Solutions, Santa Barbara
Owner since 2008 - Present
Provided computer technology consulting services.
Video Visions, Santa Barbara
Owner for 11 years until closure
Managed a video rental store.
Real Estate
Realtor at Sotheby’s and eXp Realty with licenses in California and Florida.
Seaside Wellness Gardens 501(c)(3), Santa Barbara
Founder and Executive Director since 2014.
Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco
Clinical Laboratory Supervisor.
Leadership and Community Involvement
California Educational Computer Consortium (CECC)
Past President; involved in technology upgrades for educational institutions.
Data Processing Management Association, Santa Barbara
Past President.
Santa Barbara Community
Docent roles at Old Missions, Casa del Herrero, and Santa Barbara County Courthouse, with leadership positions.
VNA Health - Chairman of Annual Charity Regatta since 2020, raising over $2.4 million since 2000.
Santa Barbara Political Involvement
Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee:
Past Chair of Communications Committee, editor of the Weekly Wave newsletter; managed tech transitions such as from Mail Chimp to Constant Contact (a superior, more modern service), assisted with website
Successfully campaigned and won a member seat on the central committee in the 2024 Primary, securing the most votes in District 2 for county committee person, surpassing the vote count for our current Chair.
Santa Barbara Republican Club: Vice President
Implemented Constant Contact
Website creation and Maintenance
Santa Barbara Conservative Republican Club: Technical Support
Implemented Constant Contact
Website creation and Maintenance
Santa Barbara County Young Republicans: Technical Support and Advisor
Implemented Constant Contact
Website creation and Maintenance
Young America’s Foundation, Reagan Ranch Center – Santa Barbara
President’s Circle level supporterVarious roles in local Republican clubs , including technical support and website maintenance.
Why Do We Need Change?
Results
To date the SBGOP election results have been embarrassing. It is difficult to recruit candidates given the lack of money and dismal election outcomes. The current leadership works hard and is dedicated but has no plan, system or written strategy activated to win.
Fundraising and Candidate Recruitment and Support
A change in leadership will accelerate our ability to advance the pillars of the strategic plan:
Increased Republican voter registration
Increased voter turnout
Increased participation of high net worth donors and contributions
Increased ability to recruit and vet qualified candidates
Increased transparency
Increased Hispanic and NPP outreach
Strategic Plan, Transparency, Efficiency
Two years ago a strategic plan was introduced. The current Chair turned it into a slide show, presented it to Central Committee at a monthly meeting and never looked at it again. We need a change in leadership to execute the tactics needed to win.
Execution
We need new leadership to execute the strategic plan and tactics to win in 2026 and beyond. The present leadership has not had the success our county deserves. We must stop the present culture of 'circle the wagons' to protect individual power at the expense of winning results.
It’s Time…
Will you help us tap into the massive reserve awaiting us in Santa Barbara County?
Vote for Nick Sebastian.
Vote for an invigorated, focused, successful Central. Committee.
Please join me in shaping a better future for our party. We can do better!
If elected Chair, I pledge to bring transparency, strategy, efficiency, and unity to the Santa Barbara County Republican Central Committee.
Together, we will strengthen our party and serve our community better.