Dr. Leonie H. Mattison is an internationally recognized higher education president, transformational CEO, and organizational development scholar-practitioner whose career spans more than two decades across healthcare, higher education, nonprofit, government, and private sectors. She is widely regarded for building innovation ecosystems, leading enterprise-wide transformation, and advancing health equity through strategy, technology, and cross-sector partnerships.

For more than a decade, Dr. Mattison has served the people of Santa Barbara County in senior executive roles that strengthened workforce development, expanded healthcare access, and fortified community resilience. As President and CEO of Pacifica Graduate Institute, she led a comprehensive institutional transformation that expanded enrollment, launched the university’s first fully online accredited programs and global studies, revitalized philanthropic strategy, secured reaffirmation of WSCUC accreditation, and generated millions in new revenue streams. As Chief Operating Officer of CommUnify, a $24 million federally designated Community Action Agency, she modernized operations and expanded programs impacting more than 55,000 residents annually. Earlier, as Chief of Organizational and Talent Development for the County of Santa Barbara, she revitalized the County Employees University, embedding innovation, leadership development, and trauma-informed practices into a $1.8 billion enterprise and its 4,600-member workforce.

Her healthcare leadership includes directing clinical research operations and major grants at William Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and advancing public health innovation with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. She has successfully led commercialization initiatives, developed intellectual property strategies, and forged enduring partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, venture capital firms, and industry leaders.

The author of The  T.H.R.E.A.D. System™, Dr. Mattison, is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on innovation, organizational transformation, leadership development, and the future of higher education, mental health, and healthcare. A Jamaican-born, New York–raised first-generation college graduate, she holds an EdD in Organizational Leadership, an MBA, and certifications in Six Sigma, trauma-informed care, and Leadership Development.

The American Cancer Society is proud to honor Dr. Fred Kass, oncologist and breast cancer specialist at UCLA Health Santa Barbara Cancer Care, with the Community Impact Award at this year’s Riviera Gala.

Dr. Kass has spent decades advancing cancer care and serving the Santa Barbara community with compassion and leadership. Recognized as Santa Barbara County’s 2024 Physician of the Year by the Central Coast Medical Association, he has also been celebrated with the Breast Cancer Resource Center’s inaugural Healing Through Compassion Award, established in his honor.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Kass has held leadership roles on numerous community boards and continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of health care providers. His lifelong commitment to patient care, innovation, and community service exemplifies the very spirit of this award.

We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Kass’s extraordinary contributions at the 2025 Riviera Gala.

Drea Sauceda, Survivor Honoree, is a breast cancer survivor, dedicated Central Coast educator, and national advocate featured in ACS’s Stories of Hope and the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign. Diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer at 39, Drea faced treatment with courage and shared her journey through a personal blog, offering strength and guidance to others navigating cancer.

After completing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, she celebrated her survivorship at Relay For Life, surrounded by loved ones. Today, her advocacy continues as she raises awareness for early detection and survivorship, while inspiring others through her resilience and commitment to community.

We are honored to recognize Drea Sauceda as our 2025 Survivor Honoree at the Riviera Gala.