We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. We are thrilled to introduce our latest recipient, Jason Buchanan, a volunteer with the Santa Maria Valley YMCA.
Born and raised in Santa Maria, Jason has grown into one of the community’s most active volunteers and trusted civic leaders—someone who believes that strong communities are built by people who show up, serve, and lead with heart. As Board Chair of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, he is deeply committed to strengthening youth, families, and healthy communities. Since dedicating himself to the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, his peers say his leadership skills and love of volunteering have grown side-by-side.
But his work isn’t limited to just the YMCA. In 2026, Jason will be the incoming board chair of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the chairman of the Business and Government Roundtable, Chairman of the newly formed Young Professionals Committee of Santa Maria, and a board member of the local nonprofit SMOOTH. Whether he’s supporting youth development, strengthening the business community, or helping shape the region’s future, Jason believes in leading by example and creating a place where people want to live, work, and give back.
Outside of the YMCA, he remains active himself, coaching youth sports teams and participating in Santa Maria Valley Parks and Recreation sports leagues, including softball, volleyball and basketball. In his professional life, Jason is Vice President at HUB International Insurance Services, where he has worked since 2015. With his wife, Carly, they have two children and are expecting a third in March 2026, as well as a Golden Retriever.
Congratulations on being recognized as SESLOC’s Community Cares Award recipient!