​Justin Doering Director, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association It was a great first day of Ventura County Leadership Academy.  My favorite takeaway from the first session was being able to hear the background and expertise of those amongst our own cohort. There are so many leaders from such a wide array of professions. I truly…

​Dan Hulst Preserve Director, Ventura Land Trust Housing, oh housing. Why art thou so challenging? On a particularly warm Friday in March, VCLA Cohort 27 gathered for our 7th session. Focusing on Public Health and Social Services, the day began at the Ventura County Human Service Agency where we heard from distinguished leaders in the…

​Bev Dransfeldt Elected Director, Pleasant Valley Recreation & Parks Board Ventura County Leadership Academy has been such a moving, wonderful program filled with so much eye-opening information, inspirational speakers and a legendary cohort. I counted down the months until the Sacramento trip and had everything ready to go early on. Pattie Braga, our fearless leader,…

​Michelle D’Anna Community Relations Officer, City of Camarillo “Don’t let your title define who you are.” Let that sink in for a minute. At first, this statement struck me as an odd way to begin a conversation with a room full of professionals who are embarking on a leadership journey. Are we not a diverse cohort…

Robert E. Canko NAM Sustainability & Outreach ManagerBayer – U.S. Crop Science VCLA’s Cohort 27 Legends convened at the Oxnard Union High School District for our sixth session on the first Friday of February 2022.  We enjoyed a wildly enlightening day on the topic of education in Ventura County from a wide cast of selfless…

Richard Gutierrez Chief Financial Officer, Casa Pacifica VCLA Cohort XXVII Being accepted into this year’s Ventura County Leadership Academy has been such a benefit to me already.  Being new to the area in the time of Covid has made getting to know my new home very difficult. When I learned of this program, I jumped…