
VCLA is pleased to announce the members of
Cohort XXIX
The VCLA mission is to "connect people and issues to strengthen our county" by developing, educating, and inspiring a diverse group of leaders who aim to enhance the quality of life in Ventura County. The curriculum of this year-long program includes ten full-day, interactive sessions, at locations throughout Ventura County. The cohort members hear directly from the subject matter experts on many of the critical issues impacting the region. Other session topics include education, public safety, health care, economic development, arts and culture, agriculture, and housing. Cohort members are also responsible for hosting a group volunteer event, focused on the betterment of Ventura County.

Aaron Ferguson, Coord. Of Distance Learning - Oxnard Union High School District
Al Lowe, President - Al Lowe Construction, Inc.
Amy Peake, Director of Policy & Advocacy - Rebuild SoCal Partnership
Andrew Thomas, Government Relations Manager - Southern California Edison
Brenda Heredia, Water Conservation Supervisor - City of Oxnard
Carrick DeHart, Director of Major Gifts - CSU Channel Islands
Charles Genkel, Environmental Health Division Director - County of Ventura
Chelsee Russell, Community Development Management Analyst - County of Ventura
Curtis O'Shaughnessy, Area Vice President - Gallagher
Cynthia Soto, Operations Manager - Westminster Free Clinic
D'annah Taday, Operations Manager - Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association
Denise Adams, Ventura County Social Service Director - The Salvation Army
Gopi Nadella, LCDR Judge Advocate General's Corps - U.S. Navy
Jay Doniaz, Financial Inclusion & Education Manager - Ventura County Credit Union
Jeff Shultz, Operations Manager - American Medical Response
Jennifer Brickey, Teacher Librarian - Oxnard Union High School District
Dr. Jesus Vaca, Superintendent/Principal - Somis Union School District
Jonathan Royas, Public Information Officer/Management Analyst - City of Santa Paula
Joslynn Jarrett-Skelton, Sr. Manager of Institutional Giving - Girl Scouts of Greater LA
Kimberley Ballard, Asst Director of Campus Services - Casa Pacifica
Mary Noor, Senior Vice President Market Executive - Bank of America
Matt Wyatt, Process Supervisor - Aera Energy, LLC
Meg Cipolla, Accounting Manager - Food Share of Ventura County
Meggan McCarthy, Philanthropy Officer - Planned Parenthood California Central Coast
Melia Keller, VP, Marketing & Community Relations - Logix Federal Credit Union
Melissa McMurdo, Deputy District Attorney - Ventura County District Attorney's Office
Natalie Pavia, Financial Advisor - Thrivent
Nate La Russo, Battalion Chief - Oxnard Fire Department
Rachel McIver, Owner - McIver Consulting
Dr. Raul Ramirez, Superintendent - Mesa Union School District
Sara Omanovic, Owner - Ema's Herbs
Sheila Norman, Community Education Administrator - Ventura County Fire Department
Taylor Penny, Recreation Coordinator - City of Port Hueneme
Timothy Ragan, Captain - Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Tina Wang, Program Management Analyst - County of Ventura
Vanessa Stotler, Director of Outreach & Marketing - Ventura College
Vickie Achee, Director of Marketing - CMC Rescue, Inc.
Waheed Akberzie, Clinical Project Manager - SetPoint Medical
Zach Tinker, Staff Attorney - Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers
Cohort XXIX Dates (2023-24)
Orientation Session (Via Zoom)
September 7th (Thurs)
First Session
September 15, 2023
Second Session
October 12, 2023 (Thurs)
Third Session
November 3, 2023
Fourth Session
December 8, 2023
Fifth Session
January 12, 2024
Sixth Session
February 9, 2024
Seventh Session
Sacramento Trip – February 25- 27, 2024 (Sun-Tues)
Eighth Session
March 15, 2024
Ninth Session
April 12, 2024
Tenth Session
May 10, 2024
Graduation
May 16, 2024 (Thurs eve)