Gail Kvistad
Gail Kvistad is a dynamic media professional, gifted connector and global community builder in the areas of Media, Entertainment, Art, Hospitality, and Travel.
She is the host and producer of the long-running television series "Living Local." Since its debut in 2010, the show has highlighted the unique passions and businesses of the California Central Coast spotlighting the innovators, artisans, and visionaries that define the cultural landscape. She has expanded the shows reach to a global audience via YouTube and social media.
Her career spans decades of storytelling with high-level production and hosting roles for global brands such as National Geographic, Marriott, ISLANDS Media, NBC, PBS, and SCUBAdiving Magazine where she developed a signature style that blends environmental stewardship with sophisticated storytelling.
Often described as an "avid world traveler," Kvistad has combined her flair for entertainment with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, a passion she developed while exploring diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean and Japan early in her career.
Beyond her work in media, Kvistad is a dedicated philanthropist and author known for her focus on positive community impact. She has served on numerous boards, including the Santa Barbara City College Foundation and Gail is a founding force behind the Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation (SBSCFF.org). As a key organizer, she was instrumental in establishing the foundation to support local first responders and enhance community safety infrastructure, including the long-term goals of establishing vital fire training facilities and upgrading stations.
In 2025, she further expanded her creative repertoire with the launch of her children's book series, “The Enchanted Tales of Magic Mojo and Gail Good Fairy”. The series, inspired by her rescue dog Mojo, reflects her life’s purpose of motivating others to find their "inner spirit" and light. Whether through her television segments or community activism, Gail remains a prominent figure in Southern California’s cultural and non-profit landscape and a dedicated "Light Worker," committed to elevating consciousness and fostering collaboration across the media and philanthropic landscapes.