FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hearts Aligned Welcomes Newly Elected Board Treasurer and Board Secretary
Santa Barbara, CA — July 15, 2025 — Hearts Aligned, is a nonprofit that provides assistance to critically ill children and their families in Santa Barbara County, is proud to announce the election of two new officers to its Board of Directors: Lucy Kohansamad, Board Treasurer, and Jonathan Pickert, Board Secretary.
“Having Lucy and Jonathan step into these key roles brings fresh energy and invaluable expertise to our leadership team,” said Colleen Sitolini Chair of the Board . “They’ve both been actively engaged as Board Members and will be tremendous assets to our Executive Team.”
Lucy Kohansamad, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the organization. As a very young girl, she had medical issues related to her kidney and bladder. She was in and out of Boston Children’s Floating Hospital from 1963-66, and had several surgeries related to her critical condition. She watched her own family’s stress and struggles during that time like many of the families served by Hearts Aligned.
Lucy has lived in Santa Barbara for over 40 years, where she raised her four children. She has volunteered and helped fundraise at their schools (Montecito Union and Bishop Diego High Schools) and has also been a volunteer at Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation for many years.
Lucy retired from US Bank as a Senior Portfolio Associate / Officer Analyst. She brings over 25 years of financial experience, investment management, fundraising, and networking. Lucy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Musicology from the University of Miami and plays viola in the Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara.
Jonathan Pickert, brings over 15 years of financial experience to the Board and has been recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times as “Who’s Who in Banking and Finance”. Jonathan is a Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor at Wells Fargo Private Bank.
Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Fort Hays State University in Kansas, where he was a full-scholarship NCAA athlete in men’s basketball, and an Associate’s degree in Business & Managerial Economics from Santa Barbara City College.
Jonathan was previously a Board Member of Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society/DAWG. Prior to joining Hearts Aligned, Jonathan was involved as an active volunteer for United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County, Habitat for Humanity, Hearts Therapeutic, and Partners in Education.