Retirement 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…

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Connections, Conversations, and Perspectives

Laura Hanson – Lead Installation Sexual Assault Response Coor. – Naval Base Ventura County Over the past 9 months, I had the incredible opportunity to engage with a diverse and truly inspiring group of professionals from across Ventura County—people from different industries, backgrounds, and walks of life, all coming together with a shared goal: to…

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VCLA 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.

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Woman of the Year

We are thrilled to send a hearty and heartfelt congratulations to VCLA’s Executive Director Pattie Braga, who was named a Woman of the Year by California State Senator Monique Limon. Pattie Braga began her tenure at Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) five and a half years ago, in August of 2019. In that time, she has increased VCLA’s brand…

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Behavioral Board Appointment

Daniel Bednar – Chief Strategy Officer – OceanAir Federal Credit Union “I’m truly grateful for the environment VCLA created. I’ve always felt called to support, and being able to serve as a veteran voice on the board is both an honor and a privilege. This is such a great example of the kind of connections…

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97% of Ventura County

Picture in Ojai of tiny houses at mesa

Dr. Nicolas Palacios – Global Marketing Manager – Amgen 97% of development here in Ventura County is planned as Agriculture or Open Space, meaning the remaining is what is allocated to housing, commercial and industrial developments. This is just one factor influencing housing here in addition to the larger issues affecting the crisis across the state.…

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New HACSB Commissioner

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

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

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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