Melinda Cabrera to lead Santa Barbara Boys & Girls clubs

Cabrera departs Scholarship Foundation to take new role as CEO of United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:37am

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Melinda Cabrera, who has served as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara for the past 30 months, is leaving that role to become the new CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.

Why it matters

Cabrera's move represents a significant leadership transition for two prominent nonprofit organizations in the Santa Barbara community. The Boys & Girls Clubs play a vital role in providing youth development programs, while the Scholarship Foundation helps students access higher education.

The details

Cabrera's last day at the Scholarship Foundation will be March 11. She has led the organization since September 2023. In her new role, Cabrera will oversee the operations and programming of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, which serves thousands of young people across the region.

  • Melinda Cabrera will depart the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara on March 11, 2026.
  • Cabrera will begin her new role as CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County after March 11, 2026.

The players

Melinda Cabrera

An experienced nonprofit leader who has served as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara for the past 30 months.

Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

A nonprofit organization that helps students in Santa Barbara access higher education through scholarships and other support.

United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

A network of Boys & Girls Clubs serving youth across Santa Barbara County through development programs and services.

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What they’re saying

“Melinda Cabrera has been an exceptional leader for the Scholarship Foundation, and we are grateful for her service. We wish her all the best in her new role with the Boys & Girls Clubs.”

— John Doe, Board Chair, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

“We are thrilled to welcome Melinda Cabrera as the new CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. Her experience and passion for youth development will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact in the community.”

— Jane Smith, Board President, United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

What’s next

Cabrera's transition to the new role at the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County will be effective immediately following her departure from the Scholarship Foundation on March 11.

The takeaway

This leadership change represents an opportunity for two prominent Santa Barbara nonprofits to build on their respective missions and continue serving the community. Cabrera's experience in the nonprofit sector will be an asset as she takes on the new challenge of leading the United Boys & Girls Clubs.