Easy Lift's Staff

Easy Lift Transportation is very fortunate to have capable and caring staff members who are here to support you.  Please meet our staff:

Ernesto Paredes - Executive Director

Ernesto has been reared in Santa Barbara, attending local schools from elementary through SBCC before transferring to the University of Southern California. Ernesto completed his education at USC earning a degree in Gerontology in 1989. His first job after college was with the YMCA as an associate physical director. A year later, he was named the associate executive director with Easy Lift Transportation where he worked for ten years. While at Easy Lift, Ernesto also gained valuable experience through his Board involvement with the Family Service Agency, where he served on the executive committee. In June 2001, Ernesto was named executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Barbara County. As executive director, Ernesto has participated with a number of community groups such as: Santa Barbara City College Adult Education, Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce “Business Leaders Council”, and the County of Santa Barbara Kids Network. Additionally he currently serves on the Hutton Foundation allocations committee. Ernesto has also been recognized for his efforts from the community. Recognitions include: Court TV “Every Day Hero” national award recipient, Santa Barbara Independent “Local Hero”, Pacific Coast Business Times “40 under 40” award, and Leadership Santa Barbara County’s “Distinguished Leaders Award” recipient. Ernesto has been married to his wife Jenifer for fourteen years and has two children, his son Peyton (12) and his daughter Reyna (7). Ernesto is an avid triathlete and is currently training for his third Ironman competition.

Ernesto is currently the executive director for Easy Lift Transportation is fluent in Spanish and continues to work in collaboration with many local non profits.

Polly Rice - Chief Financial Officer

Polly Rice originally hails from Annapolis, Maryland, but has been in Santa Barbara long enough to consider herself a native. She attended the University of California at Santa Barbara where she completed her bachelor’s degree in English over 10 years ago. Following college she spent many years with another local small business, where she actively learned and implemented her skills in accounting and office management, and wore the various hats often required of an office manager. An avid traveler, Polly has spent several months in Asia, and is excited to spend one month as a volunteer for a local non-profit in Tanzania in the near future.

Rene Andrade - Operations Manager

Rene Andrade joined Easy Lift Transportation initially as a mobility trainer in 1992 and currently serves as the Operations Manager.  Mr. Andrade is a native of Santa Barbara, a graduate of Santa Barbara High School, and attended college at Chico State University.  Mr. Andrade is responsible for the scheduling and delivery of all ride requests, driver hiring and supervision,  vehicle maintenance and safety, and is involved in working with other local social service agencies through our Loaner Vehicle Program.