Alumni Updates
Guardian in Ventura County
Congratulations to Dr. Steve Elson (VCLA Board Member and a member of VCLA’s Class I), CEO Emeritus of Casa Pacifica Children and Family Services for being honored at their recent 30th Anniversary celebration event. Dr. Elson received the Guardian Angel Award, given to individuals that have made a significant contribution to Casa Pacifica. Dr. Elson served as their…
Read MoreCelebrating 30 Years of VCLA Leadership
View the video HERE of the September 10, 2024 County of Ventura Board of Supervisor’s Meeting, where Ventura County Leadership Academy was recognized for our 30 years of Ventura County leadership.
Read MoreCSUCI Distinguished Alumni Honoree
Congratulations to VCLA board member and alumni Dhruv Pandya (Cohort XXVI, center) for being honored as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni at the CSUCI President’s Dinner, held Saturday, September 28, 2024. Dhruv not only serves on the VCLA board, but also on the Turning Point Foundation board, the CSUCI Alumni and Friends Association board, and mentors students…
Read MoreForty Under 40
Natalie Pavia (Cohort XXIX) has been named a 40 Under Forty honoree with the Conejo Chamber of Commerce. Natalie is a financial advisor with Thrivent and is committed to making a difference in people’s lives. With a background in the nonprofit sector, she is involved with many local nonprofits like Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) & ACTION…
Read MoreLeadership Award Announcement
Congratulations to VCLA alumni & Interim President at Oxnard College Oscar Cobian (Cohort XXII) for receiving the 2024 Excellence in Servant Leadership Award from The California Community Colleges Classified Senate! Nominated by members of the OC Classified Senate, Dr. Cobian was recognized for his “exceptional support of the involvement of Classified Professionals in participatory governance at the…
Read MoreMoorpark To Ventura
Congratulations Carlene Saxton (VCLA Cohort XXVIII), who has been selected as the new Assistant City Manager for the City of Ventura. Carlene previously served as the City of Moorpark’s Community Development Director. She is the President of Women Leading Government, helping women succeed in public service.
Read MoreNew Central Coast Director
Congratulations to Hollee King Winegar (Cohort XXVIII), was elected as the new Central Coast Director for the California Chapter of the American Planning Association, and as a member of the APA CA’s State Board. Hollee is the Entitlement Planning Lead for MNS Engineers, a firm based in Santa Barbara.
Read MoreOn the Concours
Since moving to Palm Desert in 2019 Dr. Rick Eberst (cohort XVIII), who served VCLA as a past board member and was the former Interim Program Director has kept up his leadership efforts by recently becoming engaged in new leadership roles in the Coachella Valley. Most recently, he began serving as a VIP Docent at…
Read MoreCity Leadership
Congratulations to VCLA alumni Bill Ayub (cohort XXIII) on his recent appointment as the City Manager for the City of Ventura. Bill was a member of VCLA Cohort XXIII and was also honored as the 2022 Public Sector Leader of the Year at our annual Journey to Leadership Awards event.
Read MoreMaking Waves in Oxnard
VCLA alumni Vincent Stewart (cohort XXVII) was not only sworn-in to serve on the Oxnard Planning Commission in March (and quickly voted to the Vice Chair position), but he also joined the board of the Oxnard College Foundation earlier this month. Thank you Vincent for giving so much of your time and talents to our…
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