Five New Members Named to VCEDA Board of Directors

VENTURA, CALIF.--The Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA) has named five new members to its board of directors. Each will serve three-year terms.

New board members are Randall George, Brian Beggs, Celina Zacarias, Robert Wardwell and Mike Smith.

Randall George is a partner with the Oxnard-based law firm of Nordman Cormany Hair & Compton LLP. His practice areas are taxation, corporate and general business law, and estate planning. He holds an "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, its highest peer rating.

Brian Beggs is chief marketing officer for Houweling’s Nurseries Group in Camarillo. He is responsible for business development, sales, marketing and strategic planning.

Celina Zacarias is director of community and government relations for the Division of University Advancement for California State University Channel Islands. In her position, Zacarias advances the university's presence in the culturally diverse population and maintains strong relationships with local, state and national elected officials.

Robert Wardwell is vice president and chief financial officer of St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo. Wardwell has been in healthcare financial operations for the past 40 years and has spent the last 32 years as a chief financial officer in hospitals and healthcare systems.

Mike Smith is director of operations for Waste Management. He is responsible for the day-to-day management, leadership and strategic planning for the trash hauling operations in Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

"Our board members are dynamic leaders in Ventura County," says Bill Buratto, VCEDA president and CEO. "We look forward to the tremendous experience and expertise they will bring to our board."

In addition, Bill Camarillo, CEO of Agromin, will serve a second, one-year term as VCEDA board chair.

About VCEDA
Established in 1949 and recognized as the premier business voice of Ventura County, the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA) gives members an opportunity to interact with Ventura County’s civic, corporate, small business and government leaders. VCEDA’s mission is to advocate for policies, legislation and programs that stimulate and contribute to business growth, a vital local economy and a vibrant quality of life. For more information, call 805-676-1332 or visit http://www.vceda.org.