VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the Workforce Development Board (WDB) Membership Committee’s recommendation to appoint Laura Martinez and Captain Kirk Lagerquist as new members. They will each serve three-year terms.
Martinez is the human resource director at Ventura Pacific Company, a lemon grower and packer in Oxnard. She has over 15 years of HR experience. Martinez was invited to attend a WDB meeting earlier this year. “I immediately realized that the topics being discussed were the same topics I am very passionate about—economic development, building a skilled workforce and finding solutions to business-driven demands,” says Martinez. “Agriculture is a thriving industry here in Ventura County. As a board member, I will have the opportunity to represent the agriculture industry as well as other industries.”
Lagerquist is chief staff officer with the United States Navy at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC). He served in the Navy for almost 25 years. His military assignments have taken him around the world. “With approximately 36,000 veterans living and working in Ventura County, it is clear many military members are choosing to stay local after their service,” says Lagerquist. “Our partnership with the Workforce Development Board is integral to service members and their families’ transition to civilian employment. I hope to continue the close connection between NBVC and WDB, to be a conduit for employment opportunities on the installation as well as those throughout the county.”
“Both new members represent important industry segments in our county—agriculture and military,” says WDB Executive Director Rebecca Evans. “Laura and Kirk come with the skills and experience that will enable the WDB to continue to support employers and workers alike throughout Ventura County.”
Members of the WDB include leaders from business, economic development, education, labor, government and community-based organizations.
About the Workforce Development Board: The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County administers federal funds that help to support America’s Job Center of California locations and other free job seeker, youth, and employer programs and services in Ventura County. For more information, call 805-204-5186 or visit http://workforceventuracounty.org