Ventura environmental attorney Jean Getchell has been appointed to complete the last year of Commissioner Nikos Valance’s term on the Ventura Board of Port Commissioners. The five-member board governs the Ventura Port District.
A native of Ventura and an attorney since 1995, Getchell previously served on the Port District board from 1996 to 1999. She returns after being interviewed and selected by the Ventura City Council Appointments Committee. In her interview, she said, “I emphasized the importance of the commission, city, business community and citizens working together.”
In her practice, Getchell specializes in environmental, land use, real property, employment, business and contracts, probate and public law. Prior to her legal career, Getchell held civic posts including supervising planner for the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District and management analyst with the Monterey County Planning and Building Inspection Department.
Getchell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Southern California, her MBA from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks and her Juris Doctor from the Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles.
When she’s not working or serving her community, Getchell said, “outdoors is where I like to be – gardening, sailing, hiking …” and hanging out with Bennie, her 12-year-old English Springer spaniel rescue.
Getchell will serve on the Port District board until Valance’s term expires on June 30, 2019. Valance, an attorney, economist and environmentalist originally from New York, had served on the voluntary board since his appointment on July 27, 2015, and he recently resigned.
In Other Board News …
Port District Commissioner and Chairman Everard Ashworth has been reappointed to serve another term. His new term runs through June 30, 2022.
Ashworth is a principal with Ashworth Leininger Group, a Camarillo-based consulting and engineering firm that provides expertise to business and government on air quality, environmental and coastal zone permitting issues. Ashworth and his wife, Brooke, have lived for over 25 years in Ventura, where they raised their two college-age children, Henry and Emma. In his spare time, Ashworth is an avid boater who’s served in a number of capacities for the Ventura Sail and Power Squadron.
Port District board members are appointed by Ventura’s mayor and confirmed by the City Council; they serve four-year terms without compensation.
Ventura Port District, home to the Channel Islands National Park, has a mission to provide a safe and navigable harbor and a seaside destination that benefits residents, visitors, fishermen and boaters seeking to enjoy Ventura Harbor’s exceptional facilities, events and services.
For more information regarding Ventura Port District, visit VenturaHarbor.com.
