Humane Society of Ventura County Director of Community Outreach Greg Cooper completed the Ventura County Leadership Academy at a graduation ceremony at San Buenaventura City Hall Thursday evening, May 10, 2018. One of 33 participants of VCLA Cohort XXIII, Cooper met one day a month since last September learning about the issues, challenges and opportunities within Ventura County.

Cooper reflected upon his experience with the VCLA, “There are so many great things happening in the County, done by so many tireless and passionate individuals and organizations that I did not know existed. Now I feel I know what questions to ask, who to ask them to and how to make a larger difference in the community that I love and live.” Cooper continued, “This experience and the network of individuals in my cohort will most certainly make me more effective at my job doing outreach for the Humane Society of Ventura County.”

Cohort family and friends were on hand as well as representatives from the offices of elected officials; US Congresswoman Julia Brownley, California State Senators Hannah Beth-Jackson and Henry Stern, California State Assemblymembers Monique Limón and Jacqui Irwin as well as the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

 Pictured: Cooper poses with Pattie Braga, VCLA Board at the end of the ceremony.

Cooper receives his certificate of completion from Michael L. Paule,  President, VCLA Board  (right) and Melissa Baffa,  Vice President, VCLA Board.

Cooper poses for a group portrait with his fellow VCLA Cohort XXIII participants after a graduation ceremony at San Buenaventura City Hall Thursday evening.