Ventura, CA – Following a nationwide recruitment, the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has unanimously appointed Dr. Sevet Johnson as the County Executive Officer. The Board of Supervisors announced the appointment following a special meeting.
“Our Board thanks Dr. Johnson for accepting this offer of employment and for leading our County during this time of transition,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Carmen Ramirez. “We are confident she is the right person to lead our County.”
“I thank the Board of Supervisors for their vote of confidence. I am honored to have served in this capacity for the past several months. It is a true joy to know that I will have the opportunity to continue to serve our County,” said Interim County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “I look forward to continuing to work with County agencies, all staff, businesses, and community partners as we build upon efforts to move the County of Ventura forward.”
Dr. Johnson joined the County in 2009 and most recently served as the Chief Deputy Director of the County’s Health Care Agency prior to serving as the Interim County Executive Officer since March 22, 2022. She will continue to oversee 27 County agencies and departments with an operating budget of $2.7 billion and nearly 10,000 staff members. As part of her duties, Dr. Johnson will also serve as the Ex-Officio Clerk of the Board. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and previously served as the Director of the County’s Behavioral Health Department overseeing the County Mental Health Plan, serving approximately 18,000 clients annually through outpatient services. She is committed to diversity and equity and passionate about serving underserved populations while ensuring that the consumer’s voice is heard and valued.
The Board of Supervisors selected CPS HR Consulting to conduct the open nationwide recruitment for the County Executive Officer, receiving nearly 200 applicants. In April 2022, the Board also launched a community survey to help inform the selection, interview questions, and assessment actives in the recruitment process.
A recruitment will be opened soon to fill Dr. Johnson’s role at the Health Care Agency. Dr. Johnson’s employment as the County Executive Officer will be effective following final approval of an employment contract at the next Board meeting on September 13, 2022.
