Scholarship Foundation CEO steps down

Melinda Cabrera to leave role after nearly 3 years to become CEO of United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Melinda Cabrera is stepping down as CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara on March 11 to become the new chief executive of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. Cabrera has spent many years working in the nonprofit space and led emergency response programs that provided over $54 million in housing assistance and academic support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has played a key role in providing educational opportunities and support to local families for over 60 years. Cabrera's departure represents a leadership change at a prominent nonprofit organization in the community.

The details

Cabrera joined the Scholarship Foundation in August 2023 and worked to raise the organization's profile by expanding 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.

  • Melinda Cabrera will officially step down as CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara on March 11, 2026.
  • Cabrera joined the Scholarship Foundation in August 2023.

The players

Melinda Cabrera

Outgoing CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara who is leaving to become the new chief executive of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.

Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

A nonprofit organization that has provided educational opportunities and support to local families in Santa Barbara for over 60 years.

United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

The organization that Melinda Cabrera will be joining as the new chief executive after leaving the Scholarship Foundation.

Pamela Gann

Board Chair of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara.

Blair Search Partners

The firm that will conduct a nationwide search for Melinda Cabrera's successor as CEO of the Scholarship Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Melinda Cabrera, Outgoing CEO, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara (pacbiztimes.com)

“We very much appreciate Melinda's diligence and energetic focus as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. She has positioned the organization for still greater impact throughout Santa Barbara County. We wish her much success in her new position.”

— Pamela Gann, Board Chair, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara (pacbiztimes.com)

What’s next

Blair Search Partners will conduct a nationwide search for Melinda Cabrera's successor as CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara.

The takeaway

Melinda Cabrera's departure from the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara represents a leadership change at a prominent nonprofit organization that has played a key role in providing educational opportunities and support to local families in the Santa Barbara community for over 60 years.