Alumni Updates
First 5 Names VCLA Alum as Executive Director
The First 5 Ventura County Commission recently appointed Lauren Arzu (VCLA Cohort XXIV) as the organization’s new Executive Director. Arzu joined F5VC in 2017 as a Program Manager, worked diligently on the Census project, and was promoted to Director of Human Resources & Operations in 2020. She also serves on CLU’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership…
Read MoreVCLA Alum Named Navy Base VC Executive Director
Jon Gathman (Cohort XXIV) was recently promoted to Naval Base Ventura County’s Executive Director. This new position continues duties focused on strategic planning for supporting Sailors and their missions, with the addition of leading and mentoring the installation’s senior leaders. Jon is always on the lookout for creative and cost-effective ways that the installation can…
Read MoreWomen’s United Board Gains VCLA Executive Director
Pattie Braga (VCLA’s Executive Director and a member of Cohort XVII) was recently appointed by Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere to the United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Women’s United board. “I’m truly honored to serve,” Pattie says. “VCLA and the UWVC have a long history together, as they were the fiscal sponsor for VCLA…
Read MoreVCLA Alum Appointed to Fair Board
Gloria Martinez, VCLA Cohort XXVII, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, otherwise known as the Ventura County Fair Board, by Governor Newsom. Accepting the honor, Gloria said, “The Ventura County Fairgrounds are more than just a venue… It’s a space where tradition, heritage, and community come together. Like so many in our…
Read MoreJonathan Royas is new Assistant City Manager for the City of Moorpark
Congratulations to a member of VCLA’s alumni network, Jonathan Royas (Cohort XXIX) for being appointed as the next Assistant City Manager for the City of Moorpark. Jonathan joins City Manager PJ Gagajena, also a VCLA alum from cohort XXVIII. Jonathan serves on several non-profit and civic organization boards including the Municipal Management of Association of Southern California…
Read MoreNew VCLA Board Member Rabiah Rahman
We are so pleased to welcome Rabiah Rahman to the VCLA Board of Directors. As an alumni of Cohort XXVI, she is a dedicated social justice advocate who utilizes her voice, education, and skills to promote change throughout Ventura County and California. Currently, she serves as Co-Chair on the Ventura County Public Safety Racial Equity Advisory Group, Vice…
Read MoreNew VCLA Board Member
Please help us welcome Gopi Nadella (Cohort XXIX) to the VCLA board. Gopi recently retired from the U.S. Navy and has settled in west Ventura County with his family. He serves as a Board Member on Gloves For Grief and volunteers with Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Gopi and his family recently adopted a beautiful pit bull princess named Bug…
Read MoreRetirement Announcement
Congratulations to Gina Jaeger (Cohort XXI) on her recent retirement with the US Army as the Director of Resource Management at Garrision, Italy. Gina lead a team of 20 people and a budget of over $120 million. Gina served 7 years in the US Army, 30 years with the US Navy and also served as…
Read MoreVCLA in the VCReporter
Ventura County Leadership Academy was recently featured in the VC Reporter, highlighting our program, our luncheon, and the impact we make on the community. Read the article HERE.
Read MoreCohort XXX Volunteer Event
More than 150 community members gathered together on April 25th at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula for Trivia Night at the Museum, hosted by VCLA’s Cohort XXX. The fundraiser raised over $22,000 to support families still rebuilding after the Mountain Fire, a disaster that destroyed homes and livelihoods in the Camarillo area—most…
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