Michael Powers

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - Ventura County Executive Officer Michael Powers will discuss “Leading a Successful County in the 21st Century” at the next California Lutheran University Corporate Leaders Breakfast.

Held in Ventura for the first time, the event will run from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, March 15, at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

In his position since April 2011, Powers oversees a $1.7 billion budget and more than 8,000 employees in 25 agencies and departments. He is responsible for all major functions including budget, finance, legislation, human resources, labor relations, economic development and information technology. His focus has been on quality public service, fiscal discipline and investing in the community and the county workforce.

Prior to his appointment, Powers was the director of the Health Care Agency, where he oversaw the Ventura County Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, the Ambulatory Care Department, the Public Health Department, the Behavioral Health Department, the Medical Examiner's Office and the county-run health insurance plan.

Before beginning his career with the county in 1992 as an assistant county counsel, Powers had worked in private legal practice with Nordman, Cormany, Hair & Compton. He studied economics and business at the University of California, Los Angeles, and earned a law degree from Loyola Law School.

The Ventura native has served on a number of community boards including the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation, the United Way of Ventura County and the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter.

The Corporate Leaders Breakfast Series brings members of the business and civic communities together to share ideas and hear from prominent leaders in the region. The series will conclude with a presentation by Nova Medical Products CEO Sue Chen on May 1 at CLU.

The Ventura Beach Marriott is located at 2055 E. Harbor Blvd. Reservations are requested by Friday, March 9. To RSVP or for more information, contact Sharon Nelson at smnelso@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3150, or go to http://www.callutheran.edu/clb.