SANTA CRUZ >> Santa Cruz County’s largest health and human services nonprofit has selected a new leader after its previous one left the role after a successful bid for public office.

Encompass Community Services has named Shellee Stopera, a behavioral health professional with more 30 years of leadership experience, as its new CEO.

“We are confident that Shellee’s visionary leadership, passion for underserved communities, and commitment to cultivating and building partnerships will be transformative for Encompass,” said Encompass Board of Trustees Chair Elaine Johnson in a release. “She brings not only executive experience, but also a heart for the work and the people we serve every day.”

According to the release, Stopera has held C-level roles such as CEO, COO and vice president for several nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and brings a commitment to community-based care and innovation, collaboration and strategic growth. Stopera emerged as a leading candidate due to her extensive background in health and human services in tandem with her strong business acumen.

Much of her professional experience includes a focus on operations, finance, revenue development and program innovation.

“I’m honored to join Encompass Community Services and lead an organization with such a strong legacy of life-changing services and community impact,” said Stopera. “Encompass’ unwavering commitment to the County’s most vulnerable populations truly inspires me. I’ve dedicated my career to supporting people who are too often overlooked — those navigating mental health challenges, substance use disorders, housing insecurity, and other barriers — and I am excited to continue that legacy at Encompass. Together with the incredible Encompass staff, I know we can grow our impact, expand access, and continue showing up for our community in bold and compassionate ways. I can’t wait to get started.”

Stopera takes the reins from Monica Martinez who served as CEO at Encompass for more than a decade. Martinez stepped down from the role in November after a successful bid for 5th District Santa Cruz County supervisor and her first term on the board began in late December. Martinez was directly replaced by Encompass CFO Kim Morrison, who had been serving as the nonprofit’s interim CEO.

Stopera also steps into the role amid a climate of much uncertainty. President Donald Trump and his administration have abruptly and dramatically slashed federal staffing and grant programs that local leaders have warned threaten social safety net services, including those in human services and behavioral health. Encompass is one of the county’s largest local contractors for these services and has an annual budget of approximately $35 million.