Staff & Board of Directors

Manny Ayala – Executive Director

As Executive Director, Manny Ayala oversees the day-to-day operations of the foundation. This includes articulating the vision, mission, theory of change, statement of need, and overall strategy and direction of the organization to board members and staff. Ayala directly oversees all fundraising activities, including solicitations of major donors and foundations, and creates the conditions for fundraising success within the organization. He is responsible for the management oversight of the foundation including the development and support of the board of directors, financial and budgetary management, operations and technology, programs and advocacy, community relations and communications, and compliance with all laws and regulations. Ayala has nearly three decades of knowledge, expertise and passion for management excellence. Before joining The Terrace Foundation, he honed his expertise in management by owning, operating and consulting in a multitude of high-level capacities in the hospitality sector where he consistently delivered outcomes that exceeded expectations.

John Jeffries, Founder/Chair

John Jeffries came to Pilgrim Terrace Homes in 2001 as the Administrator and HUD Certified Management Agent.
He was a Supervisor for the second largest management company on the west coast. John was responsible for over 12,000 units from Denver CO. to San Diego to San Francisco CA.

John has been awarded more than 20 “Secretary’s Commendations” and numerous certificates, continued educational completions, CPO accredited and letters of recognition from the State Legislature Assembly and U.S. Congress.

Soon John will be heading the Social Service Programs as the Executive Director of Pilgrim Terrace Community Health.

The two most important aspects of John’s performance are “People above Proceeds and Projects” and “Not all great men are kind, but all kind men are great.”

Teresa Jeffries, HR Director

Teresa has been a member of the Pilgrim Terrace Team for 13 yrs. She held the position of our A.P. Secretary, Property Coordinator, worked with the Board of Directors for meeting preparations and was instrumental in all Social Activities. As the Property Coordinator Teresa oversaw all maintenance, HUD REAC Inspections and Scheduling of work orders. She has owned her own business and has two adult children here in Santa Barbara, both attended Bishop Diego H.S.

Jenn Skinner, RSC Assistant/Activity Director

Jenn Skinner joined the team at Pilgrim Terrace Cooperative Homes in May of 2015 to assist with social service programs, scheduling activities, and writing grants. Previous to this, she wrote grants for several other non-profits in Santa Barbara. She earned a bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and worked in the field for 3 years before starting and managing a small business with her husband Ron related to healthy eating. 

Jenn is passionate about helping people lead healthier lives and has really enjoyed the community of kind-hearted residents at Pilgrim Terrace. On the weekends, she enjoys hiking, playing beach volleyball, gardening, and walking her dog on the beach.