Camarillo residents Dr. Richard Rush and Al Lowe appointed as chair and vice-chair
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (Museum) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Rush as chair and Al Lowe as vice-chair of its board of directors. Both esteemed community leaders and longtime Camarillo residents have served on the Museum’s board since 2017 and played instrumental roles in the organization’s recent strategic repositioning.
Dr. Rush, president emeritus of California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), brings a deep legacy of educational leadership and civic engagement to his new role as board chair. A visionary administrator, Dr. Rush was the founding president of CSUCI, where he forged lasting connections between the university and the broader Ventura County community. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in English Renaissance Literature and a master’s degree in English Literature from UCLA.
Lowe, the newly appointed vice-chair, is the founder of Al Lowe Construction, Inc., a company renowned for excellence in the building industry. With more than 45 years of experience as a civil engineer and over a thousand completed projects, Lowe is also recognized for his exceptional commitment to community service. He has received numerous accolades, including the Stan Daley Lifetime Achievement Award and Casa Pacifica’s Guardian Angel Award. Lowe continues to serve on several nonprofit boards throughout the region.
“We are honored to have two such dedicated and accomplished leaders guide the Museum forward,” said Elena Brokaw, the Museum’s executive director. “Dr. Rush and Mr. Lowe have already made significant contributions to our mission and their leadership will be key in advancing the Museum’s role as a cultural cornerstone for our region.”
In addition to its new board leadership, the Museum is pleased to welcome three outstanding individuals to its leadership team:
Dr. Cynthia Herrera has joined the Museum’s board of directors. She is the vice chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD), recognized for her leadership in education, business and community engagement. With a strong focus on institutional effectiveness and strategic partnerships, Dr. Herrera is dedicated to student success and regional economic development. Her numerous accolades include the Woman of the Year award and the Latino Business Award. Her contributions to STEM, business collaborations and nonprofit partnerships underscore her commitment to innovation and growth in Ventura County.
Banks Staples Pecht, JD, PCC, also joins the board of directors. An executive coach, attorney and nonprofit leader, Pecht brings over two decades of experience in leadership development, strategic advising and organizational governance. She is the founder of Banks Coaching and has held key leadership roles with Women’s Economic Ventures, Interface Children and Family Services, and the City of Ventura’s Cultural Affairs Commission. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of San Diego School of Law, Pecht also has a strong background in art history and museum work, having served at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Mingei International Museum.
Pam Eppolito has been appointed as the Museum’s new chief operating officer. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership and business management, Eppolito most recently served as vice president of a full-service agency where she oversaw strategic planning, daily operations and budget management. A Ventura County resident for the past 22 years, Eppolito brings deep local ties and a passion for community engagement. She looks forward to strengthening the Museum’s operations and its impact in the region.
The Museum looks forward to continued growth and innovation under the guidance of its new board leadership and executive team.
About the Museum — The Museum of Ventura County engages participants in meaningful experiences with history, art, culture, and each other by aspiring to spark curiosity and encourage compassion to build community and connection. The Museum has two locations – the main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura, California (805-653-0323). The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, California (805-525-3100). Both museums are open Thursdays through Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – venturamuseum.org.