Founder, Interim Executive Director & Board Member
Following an entrepreneurial business career, Ken Saxon founded Leading From Within (LFW) in 2008 to invest in and nurture social sector leaders, who play such a critical role in the health of our communities. Ken has launched several of LFW’s leadership development programs, including Courage to Lead in 2008, Emerging Leaders in 2013, and Growing Edge Leaders in 2024. He has served in board leadership for nonprofits and foundations across the region, including the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara Middle School, Leading From Within, the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Orfalea Foundation. Ken was awarded the 2012 Man of the Year Award by the Santa Barbara Foundation for his significant and positive impact on the local region. He is a Certified Mindfulness Teacher – Professional Level with the International Mindfulness Teachers Association, and he is a “circle of trust” retreat facilitator as prepared by the Center for Courage & Renewal. Ken is an alumnus of Princeton University and Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, and he and his wife Jo are proud parents to their adult children Griffin and Hope.