CAMARILLO, CA – City and county government officials from throughout Ventura County and a land-use consultant recently joined the board of directors of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County. The new members include Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks, Camarillo Vice Mayor Mike Morgan, Santa Paula Mayor John Procter, Ojai Councilmember William Weirick, Thousand Oaks Mayor Al Adam and Sandy Smith of Sespe Consulting, representing the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA). Each new member brings a wealth of business and leadership experience to the board, which includes representatives from private-sector businesses, the county and each of its 10 cities. This ensures every sector and community has a voice in EDC-VC’s growing list of programs and services.

As board members, the six will help guide the organization and ensure it follows its goals and objectives for promoting jobs and economic growth to maintain the county’s economic strength through key programs and services.

“Each of the leaders joining our board possesses a deep understanding of local government and the business community, fostering insights on how we can strengthen our public-private partnerships for the benefit of the region’s businesses,” said Bruce Stenslie, president/CEO of EDC-VC.

Parks has been a member of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors since 2003. She previously served as a planning commissioner, city councilmember and mayor for the city of Thousand Oaks. As a supervisor, Parks continues championing quality-of-life issues. She holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Washington and sits on many local and regional boards and commissions.

Morgan has served as a Camarillo councilmember since 1980, with five terms as mayor. A founding member of the Camarillo Arts Festival and past board member of the American Cancer Society, Morgan currently serves on the finance/investment and policy committees, along with the Camarillo Ranch House committee. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.

A lifelong Santa Paula resident, Procter was elected to the city council in 2014 and is serving his third term after a six year absence. A Stanford alumnus, Procter has been on several boards throughout the county. An active supporter of the American Cancer Society, he has been on the steering committee for the Santa Paula Relay for Life since its inception and serves as chair of the ACS Silicon Coastal Region.

A first-term Ojai councilmember, Weirick brings 20 years’ experience as an academic administrator and economics professor. For the past 15 years, he also has been part of the management team for a third-generation family business, managing a diversified portfolio of real estate assets in Southern California. Weirick served as the Ojai Building Appeals Board chair and supported community organizations, such as Ojai FLOW and the Ojai Valley Museum.

Currently serving as mayor for the city of Thousand Oaks, Adam has served on numerous boards and commissions during his 38 years as a Thousand Oaks resident, including chair of the YMCA and the Civic Arts Plaza. A managing director of investments for Wells Fargo Advisors, Adam is a founder of the Alliance for the Arts, chairman of the Ventura Council of Governments and an active member of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Smith is a former Ventura mayor and councilmember and a third-generation resident of Ventura County. Currently, he is employed as a land use consultant for Sespe Consulting, an engineering firm based in Ventura. An adjunct professor in the master’s degree program in public policy and administration at California Lutheran University, Smith teaches classes in urban planning and civic engagement. He also serves as chair of VCEDA’s board of directors.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.