Elena Brokaw serves as the Community
Services Director for the City of Ventura.
Elena grew up in Ventura and Santa Paula. She graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from Harvard College.
From 1993 to 1998, Elena worked in the City's Cultural Affairs Division, where she developed and directed grants and technical assistance programs, coordinated ArtWalks, and initiated the Ventura Chamber Music Festival. She then transitioned to the non-profit sector, where she served as a fundraiser for regional arts institutions and the American Film Institute.
She has also worked extensively as a community cultural consultant. With the firm Jerry Allen and Associates, Elena developed cultural and public art plans for communities including San Diego, California, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Reno, Nevada.
Most recently, Elena served as the City of Ventura's Cultural Affairs Division Manager. In that role, she directed granting, special events, public art, and education and tourism programs, and initiated the 2004 Community Cultural Plan ("Creating California's New Art City") and the affordable live/work space project for artists.
Elena has taken over the leadership of the Community Services Department from Jim Walker, who retired from the City of Ventura in July 2004 after 30 years of service. The Department is responsible for providing a wide variety of programs, services and activities for city residents. As Director, Elena oversees the operating divisions within the Community Services Department including Community Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Social Services, Golf and Adult Sports.
Below are the most recent topics features in the "Ask the Director" column which runs in the Ventura County Star six times a year.
"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.