Melissa K. Stephens has been named vice president of philanthropy for the Capital District YMCA, effective Aug. 6.

She will direct and coordinate the association’s capital development, annual campaign, and endowment programs. She will also develop and implement strategies to increase volunteer involvement at all levels of financial development, and develop processes and be actively involved in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects.

Stephens had been the director of resource development with the United Way of the Capital Region. In that role, she exceeded the target goal of raising $1.3 million to fund programs and services. She also trained and managed the state volunteer liaison program, and developed hands-on training for more than 150 volunteers, donors, and staff.

Stephens also served as the annual fund director at the Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, where she executed an annual fund plan and raised an additional $20,000 in event income.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in marketing and management from Siena College.