Ashley Bautista. Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — Following a nationwide recruitment that garnered over 130 applicants, the County of Ventura has selected Ashley Bautista as their new Public Information Officer following the retirement of Bill Nash. The position reports to County Executive Officer Mike Powers.
“Engaging with our communities and keeping the public well informed is essential in our service to the public,” said Powers. “We believe Ashley is the right person for the job and we are excited about the energy and capabilities she brings in helping to share information about County programs and services with our residents.”
Bautista will be responsible for reporting a broad spectrum of information about the services available to the public from over twenty-five different agencies, departments and special districts of the County. The communications work will include raising awareness of the strategic initiatives the County is working on, including the County’s efforts to remain fiscally strong and continue its support of the health, safety, natural beauty and prosperity of our communities.
The position manages communications with the media, the public and other agencies within the county and state. The job includes interactions with all levels of local government and the many cultures, communities and constituencies served by the County. Bautista’s bilingual skills will add to the County’s bilingual communications strength.
Bautista spent the last five years serving as the communications manager for the City of Ventura and the Ventura Police Department where she won several state and national awards for her leadership in the communications field. Prior to the City of Ventura, Bautista worked for 5 years in the private sector as a partner in a private firm specializing in communications and public relations where she was recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times as one of the Top 50 Women in Business.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to highlight the dynamic and vital services of the County of Ventura through my new role as the Public Information Officer,” said Ashley. “Community engagement is my passion. Keeping residents informed and engaged will be my top priority. It will be so exciting to tell the story of the people serving our County and to connect with those we serve. From the mountains to the beach this is a spectacular region. It’s an honor to represent this great place I call home. I am so grateful.”
Bautista begins her new role on January 13, 2020 at a salary of $151,097 and will work out of the County Executive Office at the Government Center in Ventura. She can be reached at (805) 654-2640 or through email at ashley.bautista@ventura.org.