Mission Scholars Names Rachel Johnson Executive Director
Noozhawk
September 28, 2026
Big news for the local education nonprofit world: Mission Scholars has tapped Rachel Johnson as its new executive director, effective Oct. 26. If you've been around Santa Barbara's nonprofit and higher-ed circles, you likely know Rachel's name — she's been a steady force in both worlds for years, and this feels like a natural next step for her.
She takes the reins from co-founder Cassie Lancaster, who's stepping down after seven and a half years of building Mission Scholars from the ground up. That's no small legacy to inherit, and anyone who's watched this organization grow knows how much heart went into it. As Noozhawk reported, the board is grateful for Cassie's "compassionate, trailblazing leadership."
For local families, this matters. Mission Scholars helps students get to and through college — the kind of work that changes trajectories right here in our community. We're wishing Rachel well as she settles in, and thanking Cassie for everything she poured into this place.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Noozhawk.
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Santa BarbaraSource
NoozhawkPublished
September 28, 2026
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