ABOUT JASON COPUS
COMMITTED TO
MONTECITO
My family, work, and years of volunteer service connect me to the people and places the Fire District serves.
01 / BACKGROUND
COMMUNITY AND FAMILY
I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and Montecito is where my family lives and works. For more than two decades, I have helped lead our family business, the Montecito Inn, as its Director of Sales & Marketing. That work has kept me close to the daily concerns of guests, employees, local businesses, and neighbors.
My commitment to service extends beyond work. I am a rescue member with Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue, serve on the Coast Village Association and Cold Spring School Foundation boards, and am treasurer of Knowlwood Tennis Club.
Earlier, I volunteered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary from 2011 to 2021, including three years as a flotilla commander. These experiences have shaped how I lead, listen, and work with people toward a shared goal.
02 / BOARD SERVICE
READY TO KEEP SERVING
I was appointed to the Montecito Fire Protection District Board of Directors in March 2026. Since then, I have participated in decisions about long-term financial planning, pension funding, budgets, financial oversight, and the policies that support an operationally prepared district.
My role is to bring careful judgment and community perspective to the Board while respecting the expertise of the firefighters, paramedics, and staff who serve us every day. I would be honored to continue that work.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
IN MY OWN WORDS
I am honored to serve as your appointed Director on the Montecito Fire Protection District Board and respectfully ask for your vote to continue serving our community.
As a lifelong Santa Barbara resident, public service has been a defining part of my life. Since joining the Board, I have participated in decisions involving the District’s long-term financial planning, pension funding, budget development, financial oversight, and policies that help ensure our department remains prepared to protect our community.
I served more than ten years in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and continue to respond to emergencies as a volunteer with Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue. Professionally, I have spent more than two decades leading business operations, overseeing budgets, negotiating contracts, and developing long-term strategic plans.
I will continue to provide thoughtful governance, responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, and long-term planning to help ensure the Montecito Fire Protection District remains financially strong, operationally prepared, and equipped to provide the exceptional emergency services our community depends on. I would be honored to earn your vote.