Joe Anlauf

Joe brings over 25 years of experience in education, athletics, and fundraising to his role as Director of Leadership Giving at the Santa Monica Education Foundation. A former teacher, coach, counselor, athletic director, principal, and school president, he now leads the Foundation’s growing Athletics Campaign, focused on expanding access and excellence across all Santa Monica public school sports programs.

A proud alumnus of UCLA, Joe earned his B.A. in Business Economics while competing on the Bruins’ tennis team. He also holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Cal State LA and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Counseling Psychology from Concordia University Chicago.

Joe’s coaching background includes tennis, basketball, golf, and volleyball at both public and private schools – including at Samohi. Joe’s own high school athletic journey was highlighted by winning both the CIF team tennis and doubles championships while at Palos Verdes High School.

Joe’s hybrid background in both corporate sales and K-16 education uniquely positions him to engage donors, alumni, and community partners in our collective mission to create meaningful opportunities that enhance the experiences and success of student-athletes across the district.

Joe and his wife Karen, a former University of Michigan track athlete, are proud parents of three grown children Ashley, Kylie, and Brad – two of whom were college athletes: Ashley (UCLA swimmer) and Brad (University of Michigan football & basketball). I REALLY get in trouble at home when I leave out the non-athlete Kylie.