DeAnna Steiger Appointed Board Chair of Women's Economic Ventures

• DeAnna Steiger, Ph.D., is the new Board Chair of Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), effective January 1, 2026
• She succeeds Melissa Livingston, who will serve for one more year on the board

As it begins its 35-year journey of support for women and entrepreneurs across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, Women’s Economic Ventures announced the selection of DeAnna Steiger, Ph.D., as the organization’s new Board Chair,

The new Board Chair succeeds the organization’s previous Board Chair, the recently retired Director of the Ventura County Human Services Agency, Melissa Livingston.

DeAnna serves as a board member with WEV since 2022 and chairs that organization’s Development Committee. In her capacity as committee chair, WEV has developed competitive fundraising practices and increased its membership in its annual giving circle known as League of Extraordinary Women.

Furthermore, it has increased donor outreach and participation as it relates to key fundraising campaigns like International Women's Day and National Give to Women and Girls Day.

DeAnna brings to the organization the position of Director of Business Performance with more than 15 years of global strategy, global marketing, and global change initiatives with various companies within the biotech industry.

Her passion and commitment to women empowerment through financial literacy can be evidenced further by another statement where she said, “Instilling confidence and empowering women through financial education can create brighter futures for individuals, families, and our entire community. I am inspired by the stories of WEV clients who are reaching their potential and achieving their dreams, and I look forward to supporting the organization’s continued growth and innovation.”

Nicki Parr, the CEO of WEV, also talked about her thrill in working closely with DeAnna in her new position. "DeAnna’s enthusiasm for our organization’s mission, as well as her experience as a corporate leader, will be assets as we celebrate 35 years in the community. I look forward to working closely with her on increasing the organization’s impact in the community.”

In this role as Board Chair, DeAnna will help to further execute priorities established by the organization and enhance growth, financial stability, and increased accessibility to business and financial education.

This comes in concert with the priorities established for WEV’s 35th Anniversary Year and the International Women’s Day theme in 2026, "Give to Gain."