Melinda Cabrera Takes Helm of United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

Nonprofit veteran passionate about youth development to lead local chapter

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:24am

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Melinda Cabrera, a seasoned nonprofit executive, has been named the new CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. Cabrera, who previously served as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, is excited to take on this new role and devote herself to strengthening the organization and serving its young members.

Why it matters

The United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County plays a vital role in supporting and empowering local youth. Cabrera's appointment as the new CEO brings a wealth of nonprofit experience and a deep passion for youth development to the organization, positioning it for continued growth and impact in the community.

The details

Cabrera, who started in her new role on March 16, said she is ready to "give everything that I've got so that we can grow and strengthen and be the best United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County that we can be." Prior to joining the Boys & Girls Clubs, Cabrera served as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara for 30 months. Before that, she held roles at United Way of Santa Barbara, including director of strategic partnerships and vice president.

  • Cabrera started as the new CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County on March 16, 2026.
  • Cabrera previously served as president and CEO of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara for 30 months, from 2023 to 2026.
  • Prior to the Scholarship Foundation, Cabrera worked at United Way of Santa Barbara from April 2013 to August 2023.

The players

Melinda Cabrera

The new CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, including roles at the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara and United Way of Santa Barbara.

Nicholas Behrman

The board chair of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, who expressed excitement about Cabrera's appointment as the new CEO.

Pamela Gann

The board chair of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, who said the organization will miss Cabrera's leadership as she departs to take on the CEO role at the United Boys & Girls Clubs.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot to learn, but I'm excited to jump in and really understand the organization, understand the needs of our families and just really devote myself to this.”

— Melinda Cabrera, CEO, United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

“We're super excited to have someone with the caliber of Melinda leading us. It's not every day you get someone with so much experience in the nonprofit sector here in Santa Barbara to be your CEO.”

— Nicholas Behrman, Board Chair, United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

“We very much appreciate Melinda's diligence and energetic focus as president and CEO of the scholarship foundation.”

— Pamela Gann, Board Chair, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

What’s next

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara has named Tim Dougherty as the interim president/CEO while they conduct a nationwide search for a long-term successor to Melinda Cabrera.

The takeaway

Melinda Cabrera's appointment as the new CEO of the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County brings a wealth of nonprofit experience and a deep passion for youth development to an organization that plays a vital role in supporting and empowering local youth. Her leadership is expected to drive continued growth and impact for the club.