Meet the City’s New Community Services Director
Ask the Director – Elena Brokaw Myles
I would like to introduce myself. I’m Elena Brokaw Myles and starting Sept. 7, I will be the new Director for the City of Ventura Community Services Department. I’m not new to the City, as I’ve served as the Cultural Affairs Division Manager for more than a year.
I’m very excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. It is a privilege to be part of this dynamic organization, and I am looking forward to both learning from the extremely talented staff, and to having an opportunity to share the skills and expertise I hope to bring to the department. Ultimately, I look forward to working together to create a national model for civic engagement and innovative community collaboration.
What are some of the challenges ahead for you?
There are many interesting challenges in store,
both for me and for the City. Some of the major challenges include the
completion of the Community Park (scheduled for Spring 2005), launching
a new aquatics program there and at the planned Westside Pool, and continuing
to promote the arts. I hope to create many opportunities for meaningful
community discourse and collaboration.
What is your background?
I grew up in Ventura and Santa Paula, where most
of my family still lives. I left Ventura County to attend Harvard College
in Massachusetts, and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts.
Soon after graduation, I returned to Ventura and took my first cultural development position as the Executive Director of the Ventura County Chamber Orchestra. I also worked for five years in the City’ Cultural Affairs Division, where I developed and directed grants and technical assistance programs, coordinated ArtWalks, and initiated the Ventura Chamber Music Festival.
I have worked extensively in the non-profit sector as a fundraiser, and most recently as a community cultural consultant with Jerry Allen and Associates.
What did you accomplish as Cultural Affairs Manager?
In my year and a half as Cultural Affairs Manager,
I had the opportunity to work on several initiatives that will hopefully
have a long-term impact on Ventura’s cultural fabric. These include
the development of an affordable artist live/work facility, new programs
for the Downtown Cultural District, planning for the Downtown Cultural
Center, and the update of the City’s cultural plan.
Why did you decide to return to the City of Ventura?
I returned to take on what I thought might be a
really great job, as Cultural Affairs Division Manager. I had no idea
that I would be working with the most dynamic group of colleagues I have
ever encountered, or that I would feel so much like I was “home.”
The opportunities I have encountered, and been able to act upon, have
had a profound impact on me personally. I see the potential for continued
development, and am honored to have a role in it. I am also very excited
about being a member of our new City Manager’s team.
How can I contact you?
I can be reached at 805.658.4731 or eebrokaw@ci.ventura.ca.us
You can also visit the City’s website at www.ci.ventura.ca.us to
learn more about the Community Services Department.
Other "Ask the Director" Questions:
- Programs for the Holiday Season October 2006
- Creating California’s New Art City November 5, 2005
- City of Ventura Travel Programs September 6, 2005
- City Offers Youth Summer Programs July 7, 2005
- Meal Programs Offered for Area Seniors May 7, 2005
- City Golf Course Renovations Underway March 3, 2005
- City Fosters Community Efforts During December January 1, 2005
- City Uses Performance Measures to Improve Service November 6, 2004
- Meet the New Director of Community Services September 4, 2004
If you have a question you would like to ask the Community Services Director, please email: ebrokaw@ci.ventura.ca.us.