Cohort XXXI Gets on the Bus

Sandra Jennings, Workforce/Placement Instructor at Ventura Adult and Continuing Education   Friday’s @vcleadershipacademy session focused on transportation, and Cohort 31 had the opportunity to experience it firsthand by riding Gold Coast Transit District buses to several locations across the county. As I reflect on the day, two words stand out: choice and essential. We learned…

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Looking to the Future of Housing

Sacheen Swan, Civil Law Clerk, County of Ventura – County Counsel   “The future is the result of our collective intention now.” ~ Nicholas Deitch, Architect, RRM Design Group Last Friday Ventura County Leadership Academy Cohort XXXI had our fourth session covering issues of housing and homelessness in Ventura County. The high cost of housing and…

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First 5 Names VCLA Alum as Executive Director

The First 5 Ventura County Commission recently appointed Lauren Arzu (VCLA Cohort XXIV) as the organization’s new Executive Director. Arzu joined F5VC in 2017 as a Program Manager, worked diligently on the Census project, and was promoted to Director of Human Resources & Operations in 2020. She also serves on CLU’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership…

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Beyond the Fleece

Roshin Mathew, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Ventura County Community Foundation I just wrapped my immersion day for the Ventura County Leadership Academy, a program that dares you to leave your lane and dive headfirst into the systems, people, and contradictions that shape this region. So naturally, I chose Patagonia: part outdoor brand, part climate crusader,…

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VCLA Alum Named Navy Base VC Executive Director

Jon Gathman (Cohort XXIV) was recently promoted to Naval Base Ventura County’s Executive Director. This new position continues duties focused on strategic planning for supporting Sailors and their missions, with the addition of leading and mentoring the installation’s senior leaders.  Jon is always on the lookout for creative and cost-effective ways that the installation can…

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Women’s United Board Gains VCLA Executive Director

Pattie Braga (VCLA’s Executive Director and a member of Cohort XVII) was recently appointed by Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere to the United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Women’s United board. “I’m truly honored to serve,” Pattie says. “VCLA and the UWVC have a long history together, as they were the fiscal sponsor for VCLA…

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Cohort XXX Reflection

Ingrid Hardy – Assistant City Manager – City of Thousand Oaks This kind of experiential leadership development isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. We all have our own paths. But for those considering VCLA—whether you’re just starting out, mid-career, or well-established—I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore it. I have no regrets, only appreciation.  

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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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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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