The Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners has announced the appointment and promotion of Brian Pendleton to General Manager of the Ventura Port District at the May 15, 2019 Board Meeting effective May 1, 2019. Pendleton, currently the Deputy General Manager of the Port District, will succeed Oscar Pena, who retired after 20 years of service to the Port.
Pendleton joined the Ventura Port District in 2015 as the Business Operations Manager, responsible for management, supervision and oversight of District finances, facilities, marinas, property and risk management. In 2018, due to his successes at the Port, the Board of Commissioners promoted Pendleton to Deputy General Manager to perform asset management duties for a diversified portfolio of real estate holdings including Ventura Harbor Village, hotels, marinas, boatyards, and rental housing.
“I want to personally thank Chris Stephens, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, along with Vice-Chair Brian Brennan, and fellow Port Commissioners for providing me with the opportunity and privilege of serving the Port District as its next General Manager,” said Pendleton. “I look forward to collaborating with our Board to establish key priorities in the coming months and work alongside the hard-working team of the Port District, our Harbor tenants, and key stakeholders to achieve our goals.”
In his new role, Pendleton plans to enhance and expand the Port’s mission to provide a safe and navigable harbor and a seaside destination that benefits residents, visitors, fisherman, and boaters to experience Ventura Harbor’s exceptional facilities, events and services.
“The District Board has recognized the value Mr. Pendleton has brought to the organization since he joined us four years ago,” says Chris Stephens, Chairman of the Ventura Port District Commission. “We are confident that Mr. Pendleton will lead the Ventura Port District to fulfill its mission and serve as a leading commercial fishing center and a valued recreational marina and tourism destination.”
Pendleton says he recognizes and appreciates the dedicated service, leadership, and personal support of retiring Port District General Manager, Pena. “Pena established strong financial principals for the Ventura Harbor, strengthening its economic position in the County and is leaving with the Port District more vibrant and financially sound,” states Pendleton.
Boasting three decades of local government in Ventura, Oxnard, and port district experience in real estate, economic development, commercial revitalization and public agency operations, Pendleton has worked extensively with the business community serving as a key liaison between the public and private sectors in the communities he’s served, including the redevelopment project of the Oxnard Esplanade from a closed to an open-air shopping center.
Currently serving as a board member for Ventura Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Chamber’s Economic Development & Legislative/Government Affairs Committee, Pendleton was recently appointed to a two-year board term with Visit Ventura in 2019. Pendleton is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, the Urban Land Institute, and California Association for Local Economic Development.
Pendleton’s holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California and is a licensed real estate professional in California.
He and his wife, Arlene and three children Matt, Shane and Melissa, are longtime Ventura County residents.