New HACSB Commissioner

By Pattie Braga | January 2, 2025 |

Congratulations to VCLA alumni Alejandra Tellez (Cohort XXV) on your recent appointment to the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura. Thank you for your service to our community, Alejandra.

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Cohort XXX Video Reflection

By Pattie Braga | November 20, 2024 |

Martha Johnson  Program Administrator – Ventura County Health Care Agency Get a peek into a VCLA session with this video shared by current cohort member Martha Johnson for her third sessions, covering water, waste, public works, and a visit to The Situation Room Experience.  View the video HERE.  

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Guardian in Ventura County

By Pattie Braga | October 19, 2024 |

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…

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New Central Coast Director

By Pattie Braga | March 29, 2024 |

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.

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A Special Place in His Heart

By Pattie Braga | March 4, 2024 |

Gopi Nadella LCDR Judge Advocate General’s Corps. – U.S. Navy This one has a special place in my heart! Through Ventura County Leadership Academy and the wonderful Pattie Braga, I had the opportunity to meet with Eric Knight, Executive Director at the Humane Society of Ventura County last week. Really appreciate the time that Eric took to share with me his journey…

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On the Concours

By Pattie Braga | November 6, 2023 |

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…

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City Leadership

By Pattie Braga | September 1, 2023 |

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.

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Santa Paula’s New Commander

By Pattie Braga | August 1, 2023 |

Congratulations, Commander! Congratulations to Eric Starna (cohort XXVII), for being sworn in this morning as a Commander with the City of Santa Paula Police Department. Many of his fellow VCLA alum came out to support him, including Andrew Salinas (cohort XIV), Mark Stadler (cohort XXVII), Kasey Sirody (cohort XXVII), Michael Shanklin (cohort XXVII, Gloria Martinez…

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New Board Member

By Pattie Braga | July 10, 2023 |

We’re excited to announce that Dhruv Pandya (cohort XXVI), has joined the VCLA board for a two-year term. Dhruv is the Director of Information Security at a video, marketing, and hosting company, Wistia, based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to serving on the VCLA board, Dhruv also serves as Chair of the board for…

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