Ventura County's interim CEO gets permanent job
Sevet Johnson, interim CEO for Ventura County, was selected Tuesday for the permanent position.
Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Carmen Ramirez made the announcement at about 2:30 p.m. after the board met for several hours in closed session and chose her unanimously.
Her contract will be presented for formal approval in an open session of the board on Sept. 13, Ramirez said. Her salary has not yet been set. The position was advertised at $335,554 annually, Ramirez said.
The Moorpark woman is the first African-American in the nearly 150-year history of the county to become the chief executive of the county government.
Ramirez said that almost 200 people from all over the nation applied for the job. Johnson has never served as a county CEO on a permanent basis but has filled the slot in an interim capacity since shortly after former CEO Mike Powers stepped down under pressure in March.
Supervisors began the national search after an investigation supported an employee's claim that Powers had sexually harassed her and called her by a racially insensitive nickname. Powers denied the harassment allegation and said the employee did not seem offended the few times he used the nickname.
Ramirez said the board chose Johnson based on her personal characteristics, professional experience, skills and values.
"We felt she was the right person to lead the county at this time," Ramirez said.
Supervisor Kelly Long described her as "a very strong leader that will do very well in this position."
Supervisor Linda Parks said the work Johnson has done as interim CEO has been exceptional and pointed out that the past few people chosen for the top job lacked experience as CEO's, too. The other two supervisors — Bob Huber and Matt LaVere — could not immediately be reached for comment.
Johnson, 41, said after her selection that she was "probably still in shock" but grateful that the board was confident in her ability. Now, she said, she's ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work.
When Johnson accepted the interim position in March, she said she did not plan to apply for the permanent job. But two weeks ago, she told The Star that she might accept the position if the board offered it to her.
Johnson formerly worked as director of the county's Behavioral Health Department and had been expected to take over as chief deputy director of the Health Care Agency when she was surprisingly picked as the interim CEO.
Her appointment as CEO is due to take effect with board approval of her contract on Sept. 13.
Ventura County employs about 10,000 people and provides services including health care, public safety and environmental regulation.
Kathleen Wilson covers the Ventura County government, including the county health system, politics and social services. Reach her at kathleen.wilson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0271.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County's interim CEO gets permanent position
