As Donor Services Officer of the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation, Hilary is excited to work with current and future donors in planning and creating funds for immediate giving and future giving to help our community thrive. She is passionate about providing opportunities for youth and protection of our environment. She has over twenty-five years of experience as a local government official, tech entrepreneur, and civic leader in Santa Cruz and is excited to share her love of Santa Cruz County with donors.
After she graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Biology, she chose to make Santa Cruz her home. Hilary worked as a real estate broker and met her husband, Dr. David Shuman, a veterinarian. Together, they built Westside Animal Hospital in downtown Santa Cruz. An active volunteer, she was appointed to the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission, and in 2010, was elected to the Santa Cruz City Council, serving as Vice Mayor in 2012 and Mayor in 2013. During her Council term, Hilary combined her knowledge of regional outdoor resources, business, and technical expertise to help Santa Cruz address critical issues. She worked to grow and retain businesses in Santa Cruz, was active in the endeavor to bring the Santa Cruz Warriors to the City, led efforts to establish the City’s first Open Data Ordinance, and also developed the first Santa Cruz Youth City Council in partnership with eight local schools. Most recently, Hilary co-founded Buoy Labs, a water-saving technology startup, which was acquired by Resideo Technologies in 2019. She also enjoys surfing, swimming, running, biking, and tries to keep up with her two teenagers in all of their various activities. She currently serves on several area non-profit boards, including Digital NEST and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Hillary is also a member and Past President of the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary.
