Cynder Sinclair is retiring from her post as the CEO of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics.

Sinclair has been at the helm of the nonprofit medical organization for nearly five years. It is a network of nonprofit clinics that serves low-income and uninsured patients.

The clinic’s board of directors announced Sinclair’s departure on Nov. 16, and at the same time said it has hired a search firm and begun a nationwide search to fill the position. In the meantime, senior leadership staff and board members will provide interim executive management.

“SBNC is a blessing in this community. It has been a privilege to play a role in providing healthcare to the most vulnerable among us,” Sinclair said in a news release. “SBNC is poised to move into the next level of growth thanks to everyone’s work during the past five years. The Affordable Care Act will transform healthcare for everyone and SBNC will continue to play a key role in our community’s healthcare continuum.”

Although she is stepping down from her position at the clinic, Sinclair said in a news release that she plans to start a consulting company to help nonprofit organizations navigate the challenges they face. Sinclair joined the network of clinics in 2008. She originally moved to the South Coast in 1995 to serve as CEO of Girl Scouts of Tres Condados, then became a vice president of wealth management for Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.

“We appreciate Cynder’s dedication to the organization and the health of our community,” Gary Gray, board chair of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, said in a news release. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve with her and she will be missed.”

During the 2011 fiscal year, the network of clinics served nearly 17,000 patients in Santa Barbara County.