Brian Pendleton, who has been at helm of the Ventura Port District since 2019, has been honored with General Manager of The Year by Ventura County Special Districts Association (VCSDA).
VCSDA Board President Bruce E. Dandy states, “All of the members of the Ventura County Special Districts Association are proud of Pendleton’s numerous achievements on behalf of the Ventura Port District, which is a valuable asset to our community and to Ventura County’s economy, fishing, recreation, and tourism industries. We all join in congratulating Brian for his accomplishments.”
During the past year, Pendleton has been instrumental in spearheading four key initiatives that can be attributed to receiving this prestigious achievement. He developed and led the implementation of a forward-thinking COVID-19 Rental Abatement and Deferment Program that went into effect at the beginning of the pandemic, which helped avoid business closures at Ventura Harbor as a result of the pandemic. In 2021, Pendleton and his team developed a Public and Civic Engagement Plan ensuring effective public input process and increase in transparency of relations with stakeholders. He also worked with the California Special Districts Association to ensure ports and harbors were included in Governor Gavin Newsom’s $250M American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for Ports and secured a $1M grant from the State Lands Commission to address COVID impacts to the District. The Ventura Port District has also recently received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
“I’m honored to receive this award from the Ventura County Special District’s Association. It is truly a reflection of the leadership of our Port Commissioners and hard work and dedication of our Port District staff, and tenant business partners who continually strive in making Ventura Harbor a first-class working waterfront and seaside destination,” said Pendleton.
According to the selection committee member Elaine Magner who presented the award, “it came as a surprise to the nominations committee of the broad ranges of responsibilities of a Port District General Manager and the letters supporting the nomination were very illuminating.”
An active community leader, Pendleton is the Chair of the Economic Development Committee and on the Executive Committee for the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Ventura County Chapter of the Special Districts Association, Secretary of the Board for Visit Ventura, and Board Member of the California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference.
Ventura Port District’s Board of Commissioners Chairman, Chris Stephens, added, “2021 was a very challenging year and through Brian’s efforts, the District remains on a sound financial footing with a strong and dedicated group of employees. In addition, Brian’s leadership has contributed to the welcome success of our partner tenants and businesses.”
About VCSDA
Since 1974, the Ventura County Special Districts Association (VCSDA) has been representing over 20 independently governed special districts located in Ventura County. Special districts are single purposed entities formed by residents to provide local services. Because special districts are a more efficient form of government, they are quicker to respond to customer needs.
VCSDA’s purpose is to promote the efficient, economical, and responsive public services offered by the independent special districts of Ventura County–independent special districts governed by a locally elected board of directors.