Become the leader your community needs

 Oxnard Leadership is a 10-session course that enables you to experience in-person meetings with key decision makers and experts on vital issues that shape the future of our community.

We've partnered with the best leaders to share with you.

Since 2016, we have invited civic-minded community leaders to apply to the Oxnard Leadership Program. It is a 10-month, 10-session experiential program that connects participants with key decision makers and experts on vital issues that shape the future of the City of Oxnard and its surrounding region. Participants are selected for their commitment to bettering our community and passion for self-improvement with the goal of assisting others.

This interactive program provides a behind-the-scenes view of the issues that impact the region’s economic prosperity and quality of life while developing and refining individual skills to better serve in leadership roles within their organization or in the community.

The Oxnard Leadership Program is an initiative of the Oxnard Foundation For Education And Economic Development (OFEED) a 501(c)(3) organization. Formed in 2014 by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce (now WVCBA), OFEED's mission is to support the interaction with and advancement of education and development of our future workforce, and to assure the Oxnard community has an adequate supply of quality jobs.

View the flyer

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Thank you to our 2022 & 2023 program sponsor!

We are grateful for the Gene Haas Foundation's generous support of the 2022 and 2023 Oxnard Leadership Program! The Foundation was established in 1999 by Haas Automation Founder and CEO Gene Haas to support the needs of the local community. Based in Oxnard, Haas Automation is one of the largest employers in the county.

If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact Jovie Baclayon at j.baclayon@wvcba.org.

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Benefits

The benefits of Oxnard Leadership are multifaceted. Your participation in the program allows you, employers, and the community as a whole to reap rewards. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here for years, this course can open new doors. Benefits from the program include:

• Gain greater knowledge of the city and region, history, and leaders
• Meet local leaders and experts that can help with business solutions.
• Build an informal network of diverse colleagues for individual, business and community problem solving.
• Increase leadership skills​, refine values and personal mission.
• Understand regional issues that can be used for greater organizational effectiveness.
• Meet other community leaders who are committed to the future of Oxnard.
• Position your business as an organization committed to the city and region.

Tuition & Commitment

The full course investment of $850 (plus a $25 application fee) per participant covers the cost of all 10 sessions, materials, food, graduation ceremony and recognition plaque.  

Scholarships are available for the 2023 program, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Gene Haas Foundation; please inquire when you submit your application. Businesses are encouraged to sponsor employee participation for leadership development.

Session hours vary and are approximately 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Participants must be present for 75 percent of the day. Participants may not miss more than two sessions in order to graduate, but are allowed to make up sessions the following year and graduate then.

Sessions Will Cover: (list subject to change)
​Government
Public Safety
Education
History
Trade & Defense
Public Services
Health & Human Services
Land Use & Transportation
Agriculture/Natural Resources
Energy

Alumni

2016 (Inaugural Class)
Tom Buenger
Craig Classen
Andrea Dunphy
Dawn Noorda-Boldrin
Jackie Snider

2017
​Alyce Bosacki
Nicole Chavez
Justin Cotton
Elissa Davalos
Kathy Gray
Carlos Lopez
Peter Marcus
Robin Whitney

2018
Christopher Acker
Justin Campbell
Jacquelyn McMillan
Theresa Miller
Laura Mullen
Alex Renteria

2019
Daniel Chavez, Jr.
Yvonne Gutierrez 
Diana Lopez
Taylor Penny
Mayra Rincon
Angela Sanchez 
Mark Spellman
Marlen Torres
Anna Zielsdorf

2020-21
Joshua Beck
Nathan Glyer
Maya Hoholick
CAPT Kirk A. Lagerquist
Alejandra Lopez
Susana Lopez-Garcia 
Ashley Montgomery 
Mayra Plascencia 

2022
Joseph Cabral
Armando Casillas
Arturo Garcia
Brenda Heredia
Tina Knight
Patty Lau-Cho
Teo Lopez
Carolyn Mullin
Pete Parker
Jenna Perkovich
Sylvia Reyes
Margaret Schoep
Samantha Shapiro 
Christopher Wells
​Dave Wellik

Thomas Buenger, Class of 2016

Having the opportunity to sit down and speak with Representative Irwin, our Ventura County Supervisor, Ventura County CEO, Oxnard City Managers, police and fire chiefs, and local business leaders was invaluable.

Daniel Chavez Jr., Class of 2019 

Build new connections while learning what makes Oxnard great!​

Jacquelyn McMillan, Class of 2018

The program provides a robust look into Oxnard’s history, economic drivers, governance, business and community issues and more.

​Laura Mullen, Class of 2018

It's the best professional development opportunity I've participated in during the past five years.

Craig Classen, Class of 2016

You will undoubtedly learn things about our community that you did not know before, and you will make new connections that otherwise would not have been possible.

Mark Spellman, Class of 2019

​Oxnard Leadership is an interactive opportunity for local business associates and civic-minded leaders.