The County of Ventura is proud to announce the formation of a dedicated Steering Committee that will guide the development of our county’s first Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Strategic Plan (ACCESP). This diverse group of leaders will work together in 2025 to shape policies and initiatives that strengthen not only the creative economy, but also the cultural health of our county.
Our Committee’s Core Mission
The Steering Committee will serve as a vital advisory board, bringing together expertise from across our community. Their collective mission is to ensure the strategic plan reflects the diverse voices and needs of our arts, culture, and creative economy ecosystem.
Key Objectives
The Steering Committee will focus on three key objectives: providing guidance on the plan’s development and strategic recommendations; support strong networks and partnerships across the creative sector; and ensuring community representation through advocacy and engagement strategies.
Committee Members
We are honored to introduce our distinguished committee members, represented leaders from across the government, education, and private sectors:
- Brenda Acomb Forbes – Program Director, Economic Workforce Ventura County Community College District
- Vanessa Bechtel – Executive Director, Ventura County Community Foundation
- Elena Brokaw – Executive Director, Museum of Ventura County
- Gabriela Cazares – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, County of Ventura
- Jamshid Damooei – Professor of Economics, California Lutheran University
- Victor Dollar, Vice President, Brighton Management
- Porfirio Gutíerrez – Weaver, Studio Porfirio Gutíerrez
- Tracy Hudak – Director of Field Engagement, Californians for the Arts
- Peter Kappen – Photographer and Owner, Visualize Ventura
- Carolyn Mullin – Executive Director, Oxnard Performing Arts Center
- Niki Richardson – Executive Director, TOArts
- Craig Rosen – Interim Executive Director, Ventura County Arts Council
- Nancy Schram – Director, Ventura County Library
- Bruce Stenslie – Executive Director, Economic Development Collaborative
- Brett Taylor – Director, Local District Support, Ventura County Office of Education
- Brian Tucker – Executive Director, Ventura County Coast
- Matthew Vestuto – Chair, Barbareño Ventureño Band of Mission Indians
Looking Ahead:
The committee will meet through the creation of the plan to review progress, discuss key issues, and shape recommendations that will be presented to the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors in 2025. Their work will be essential in creating a strategic plan that not only strengthens our creative infrastructure but also drives economic growth and cultural vitality in our region.