Donnie Feller
Carpinteria,CA
Summary
Collaborative nonprofit leader with six and a half years of experience in affordable housing operations, resident services, and transitional housing for youth. At The Turner Foundation I worked alongside a committed team to strengthen operations for low income housing communities, develop resident support programs, and launch the Foundation House transitional housing program which expanded from one home to five through shared effort and strong partnerships. My background includes staff leadership, program development, community collaboration, budget stewardship, and improving systems that support housing stability and homelessness prevention. I bring a relationship-centered, team-driven approach and a commitment to advancing the City of Santa Barbara’s goals for coordinated homeless services, safe and affordable housing, and compassionate community impact.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
President
The Turner Foundation
05.2025 - 11.2025
- Provide strategic, financial, and operational leadership for a three million dollar annual budget organization serving vulnerable communities
- Lead board partnership, organizational vision, and strategic execution
- Oversaw program evaluation processes, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and performance standards
- Directed staff development initiatives, mentoring team members to enhance leadership capabilities
- Led fundraising campaigns, engaging stakeholders to secure financial support for key projects
- Fostered partnerships with community organizations to expand outreach and service delivery
- Guided teams through periods of significant change by providing clear communication and decisive leadership during transitions
Chief Operating Officer
The Turner Foundation
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Oversaw internal operations, budgeting, and strategic planning
- Led grants and compliance infrastructure
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance organizational efficiency
- Oversaw budget formulation and resource allocation to optimize financial performance
- Streamlined communication between departments, improving collaboration and project outcomes
- Led cross-functional teams in executing initiatives that aligned with the foundation's mission
- Supervised and supported all team leads (minus the CEO/President)
- Mentored team members by sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and providing constructive feedback; fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the organization
- Maintained all responsibilities previously held as Director or Operations
Director of Operations
The Turner Foundation
04.2021 - 09.2024
- Managed day to day operations and organizational systems
- Oversaw ownership and operations of low income housing apartment communities serving low-income individuals and families
- Ensured properties met all regulatory, safety, and habitability requirements while maintaining a high standard of resident care
- Strengthened relationships with property management teams to improve communication, resident support, and community stability
- Directed operational and capital improvement planning to preserve affordable housing units and support long term sustainability
- Acquired government and foundation grant funding to expand our Foundation House program to 5 houses (28 beds) for TAY
- Helped develop the full Foundation House program model including eligibility, case management structure, wraparound services, and resident expectations
- Secured housing locations, established operational procedures, and coordinated partnerships needed to support program launch
- Managed budgets, compliance, reporting, and program evaluations to ensure high performance and mission alignment
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives aligned with organizational goals
- Developed and executed training programs to improve staff performance and retention rates
Director of Programs
The Turner Foundation
08.2019 - 04.2021
- Oversaw all programming for youth at our Community Learning Centers, Music and Imagination, Summer Camp, and resident services programming
- Launched the Foundation House program providing housing and wrap around services for transitional aged youth (TAY ages 18-24yrs) struggling with homelessness
- Led cross-functional teams to design and implement strategic initiatives addressing community needs
- Managed partnerships, budgets, and program staff
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations to enhance service delivery and program reach
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations
After School/Arts and Enrichment Director/Athletic Director
Endeavor College Prep Charter School
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Oversaw an after school program of 120 students, nine instructional assistants, teacher support systems, and student discipline processes
- Designed and implemented enrichment programs to enhance student engagement and academic performance
- Collaborated with educators to align activities with curriculum standards and student needs
- Coordinated logistics for extracurricular events, ensuring seamless execution and positive experiences for participants
- Oversaw all athletics, coach recruitment, and league coordination
- Developed partnerships with community organizations to expand resources and opportunities for students
- Trained and mentored staff on program delivery and best practices in enrichment education
- Managed budgets for enrichment initiatives, ensuring resource allocation met program goals efficiently
7th Grade Math Teacher
Endeavor College Prep Charter School
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Designed and implemented engaging math curricula aligned with California Common Core standards
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student participation and collaboration
- Utilized data-driven assessments to monitor student progress and adapt instructional strategies
- Developed differentiated learning plans to meet diverse student needs and learning styles
- Mentored new teachers on effective classroom management techniques and instructional practices
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents through regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences, ensuring their involvement in their child''s academic journey
7th to 8th Grade Math Teaching Assistant
Endeavor College Prep Charter School
11.2015 - 06.2016
- Facilitated small group instruction, enhancing student understanding of mathematical concepts
- Developed tailored lesson plans to address diverse learning needs and improve engagement.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain focus and discipline during lessons.
- Led an after school program classroom of 20 students providing academic support and leading enrichment activities
After School Director
Bridges of Hope
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Facilitated engaging after-school programs to promote student learning, social, and athletic development
- Supervised residential life for sixty youth
- Led team of six house parents and managed program budget
- Fully submersed in this cross-cultural experience to serve, connect, and learn from the people
- Built community partnerships and youth leadership development programs
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and Business
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CA01-2010
Associate of Arts - Accounting
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA05-2007
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Financial management
- Staff development and coaching
- Community partnerships
- Culture building and values driven
- Affordable housing operations
- Grants management and reporting
- Program management
- Relationship building and conflict resolution
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Growth mindset
- QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, Mailchimp, Salesforce
Extracurricular and Personal
Board of Directors at the Unity Shoppe, Volunteer Basketball Coach, Happily married and father of two
Timeline
President
The Turner Foundation
05.2025 - 11.2025
Chief Operating Officer
The Turner Foundation
09.2024 - 05.2025
Director of Operations
The Turner Foundation
04.2021 - 09.2024
Director of Programs
The Turner Foundation
08.2019 - 04.2021
After School/Arts and Enrichment Director/Athletic Director
Endeavor College Prep Charter School
06.2018 - 06.2019
7th Grade Math Teacher
Endeavor College Prep Charter School
06.2016 - 06.2018
7th to 8th Grade Math Teaching Assistant
Endeavor College Prep Charter School
11.2015 - 06.2016
After School Director
Bridges of Hope
07.2013 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and Business
Westmont College
Associate of Arts - Accounting
Bakersfield College