Mark Sandoval. Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — Mark Sandoval has been named as the new Channel Islands Harbor Director. The appointment was made by County Executive Officer Mike Powers and follows a nationwide recruitment that attracted applicants from across the country and internal candidates.
Sandoval was recommended by an experienced and diverse panel that included the County RMA Director and Port Commissioner for the Ventura Harbor, the CEO of the Port of Hueneme, the Executive Director of the California Marine and Navigation Conference, the president of the Channel Islands Lessee’s Association, the interim city manager for the city of Oxnard and the Assistant County Executive Officer.
Sandoval has previously managed two bureaus for the City of Long Beach. The first was an internal bureau that supported city functions. Most recently, he managed an enterprise bureau that dealt with the management of the city’s waterfront, including the largest municipally-managed marina system in the country, the 1,624-slip Long Beach Shoreline Marina. He is a Certified Public Accountant with a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
“Mark has the perfect skill set to position the Channel Islands Harbor for the future,” said Powers. “His strong financial background and experience in community engagement, capital planning and implementation will be invaluable as the harbor continues to grow and prosper.”
In Long Beach, Sandoval developed a strong working relationship with the city’s marina customer base. He also oversaw capital projects including the rebuilding of the city’s marinas. His work included all aspects of the planning process including infrastructure and financial planning. In addition, he is currently serving as the president of the Marina Recreation Association and is a member of the board of directors of the California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains.
“As Director, we will be asking Mark to work with his talented team at the Harbor to collaborate with our business partners to create a robust harbor economy, work with the residents and community to enhance the Harbor’s recreational value, and champion enrichment projects to keep the Harbor vibrant and flourishing,” said Powers. “The Harbor provides jobs and revenue, brings in tourism dollars and serves as a destination for people looking for restaurants, hotels, activities and events.”
Channel Islands Harbor is comprised of 310 acres of land and water area, more than 2,000 boat slips and a wide variety of marina facilities, restaurants, sportfishing facilities, chandleries and shops.
Sandoval, 59, will be relocating from Long Beach to Ventura County and will begin his new duties July 16.