Prior to joining VCCF as Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Lambert served as Community Development Director for the City of Oxnard and City of Ventura. Lambert has a proven track record as a public servant throughout his career and is recognized as a Certified Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He previously owned his own planning and government consulting firm, served as Community Development Director for the City of Santa Clarita, and as the Land Use Manager for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Lambert also served on the national Board of the American Planning Association (APA) and was President of the California Chapter of APA.
Lambert graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Urban Planning and previously earned his B.A. degree in Psychology and Government from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.
As VCCF’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Lambert will lead the development and stewardship division, program and grants department, marketing and communications, and strategic initiatives. “I am so excited to join the VCCF in its work to improve Ventura County through philanthropy and giving to our non-profits,” he said.
Also joining the foundation as Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) is UC Santa Barbara alum, Tracy Tagawa. Prior to joining VCCF in September 2020, Tracy was Vice President & Regional Brokerage Supervisor for Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC for fourteen years. Her service region included cities within Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, and Los Angeles County where she worked diligently in identifying, analyzing, and reducing potential financial risks. She was also responsible for all internal and external audits within her region.
With over twenty years of experience in Risk Management, Tagawa brings a passion for developing strong community relationships while ensuring compliance and risk policies are being followed. “VCCF’s dedication to partnering with the individuals and organizations within the local communities to help others is truly inspiring. I am thrilled to join VCCF and proud to be a part of this high-character and devoted team,” said Tagawa. In her role as the foundation’s Chief Compliance Officer, Tagawa’s responsibilities include the oversight of the VCCF Corporate Compliance Program and the adherence of VCCF’s fiduciary responsibilities with its clients and future fundholders.
Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation builds philanthropy in the region by stewarding legacies through careful management of charitable capital. The foundation honors donor intent by protecting endowments. The nonprofit specializes in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. The organization also serves the community through scholarships, grantmaking, and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.vccf.org.
