Scholarship Foundation CEO steps down
After nearly three years as the CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Melinda Cabrera will be stepping down from the role to become the chief executive of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.
Announced Feb. 11, Cabrera will officially step down on March 11. At the United Boys & Girls Clubs, she will be succeeding Michael Baker, who left the organization in September and interim CEO Christianne Rojo.
“It has been a tremendous honor to lead the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara and contribute to its rich legacy of serving local families and creating opportunity in our community for more than 60 years,” said Cabrera. “I am grateful to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff for their dedication, hard work, and collegiality. I could not ask for more supportive or capable colleagues. This is a bittersweet moment, but I am excited to start my new role at United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.”
Cabrera has spent many years working in the nonprofit space, serving as a community impact officer and later as director of strategic partnerships at the United Way of Santa Barbara County. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Cabrera led emergency response programs that provided more than $54 million in housing assistance and academic support to families in critical need.
She would join the Scholarship Foundation in August 2023, working to raise the organization’s profile by augmenting staff and pursuing new community partnerships.
Under her leadership, the Scholarship Foundation was one of only six organizations nationwide selected by the U.S. Department of Education to conduct initial testing of the latest Free Application for Federal Student Aid in 2024.
“We very much appreciate Melinda’s diligence and energetic focus as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara,” said Board Chair Pamela Gann. “She has positioned the organization for still greater impact throughout Santa Barbara County. We wish her much success in her new position.”
Blair Search Partners will conduct a nationwide search for Cabrera’s successor.
