Michele Guzman serves as the Government Affairs Division Lead for the County of Ventura, overseeing legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations, and grant administration. Since stepping into the role in 2022, Michele has focused on streamlining processes, increasing countywide engagement, and strengthening partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.
Since joining the County in 2020, Michele has guided several high‑profile initiatives, including strategic planning efforts, disaster response programs, and community‑driven grant projects. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, Michele served as a Disaster Service Worker and project manager for Ventura County’s vaccine administration efforts, coordinating large‑scale operations that expanded access across the region.
Michele holds a Doctor of Social Work and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, along with a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Michele is committed to advancing effective public service, supporting strong leadership, and building long‑term capacity within Ventura County’s workforce.
Erin Powers serves as a Deputy Director of Airports, Business and Administration for the Ventura County Department of Airports, where she oversees business functions including finance, contracts, leases, HR, and project administration. Other responsibilities include ensuring compliance with FAA, Caltrans, and other regulatory guidelines and directing preparation and management of the department’s annual budget. She began her County career in 1998 as an intern in the County Counsel’s Office and joined the Department of Airports full-time in 2005. With more than two decades of public service experience, Erin brings extensive expertise in capital project delivery, regulatory compliance, and airport operations. She is committed to fostering professional development and collaboration among County managers through her service on the Management Council Board.
Cynthia Spensieri is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 15 years of experience in public accounting and private industry. She joined the County of Ventura in 2023 and brings expertise in auditing, financial reporting, compliance, and organizational accountability. Throughout her career, Cynthia has worked with clients across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, beauty, agriculture, financial services, software, and nonprofit organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Probability and Statistics from the University of California, San Diego and a Certificate in Accounting from UCLA Extension. She will also be starting a Master of Science in Taxation at California University, Northridge in the fall of 2026. Cynthia is an active community volunteer and is passionate about creating opportunities for Management Council members to connect, collaborate, and grow professionally.
Tina Figurski brings more than 30 years of experience in project coordination, communications, civic engagement, and organizational leadership across the public and private sectors. Since joining the County of Ventura in 2015, she has supported executive leadership within the Resource Management Agency and contributed to a variety of strategic initiatives. Tina is actively involved in the community through service on multiple nonprofit and civic boards. She is dedicated to strengthening professional connections across County departments and supporting a vibrant and engaged Management Council membership.
Faizal Ummer serves as Program Administrator for Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Electronic Health Record Division, where he works as lead developer managing mental health data, analytics, and information systems, and is working towards AI-enabled information systems. He brings more than two decades of management and technical experience, holds both an MBA and a Master of Computer Applications, and is committed to helping Management Council members through collaboration, networking, and professional development focused on data and technology.
Erik Hansen serves as a Program Administrator with the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency and brings more than 15 years of public service experience with the County of Ventura. He currently leads medical and health logistics initiatives, emergency preparedness planning, and critical infrastructure projects that support public health and emergency response operations. Erik has played a key role in advancing technology systems, strengthening hospital communications, and coordinating preparedness efforts with local, state, and federal partners. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of La Verne and is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security Emergence Program. Erik also serves as a volunteer with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team.
Ben Fischetti joined Public Works Agency in 2020 after 20-years as a civil engineering consultant in the private sector. As Deputy Director for Watershed Protection District, his primary duty includes leading a team of multi-talented staff in the operations and maintenance of over 209 miles of waterways, rivers, and other critical drainage facilities. He is a California Licensed Professional Civil Engineer and alumni of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Working hand-in-hand with a diverse group of colleagues across numerous other Ventura County Agencies and the associated networking opportunities are his favorite part about this fulfilling career with Ventura County Public Works Agency.
Carol Ramirez is a public sector leader with nearly two decades of experience in healthcare administration and organizational management. As a Program Administrator within Ventura County Behavioral Health, she leads compliance, audit, monitoring, and policy development functions that support accountability, transparency, and operational excellence. Throughout her career, Carol has championed strategic initiatives that strengthen organizational performance and enhance service delivery. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and remains actively engaged in community leadership efforts. Carol is passionate about fostering collaboration, amplifying diverse perspectives, and advancing meaningful outcomes for the communities she serves.
Lorin Calderon is a human resources and public administration professional with more than 15 years of progressive experience in Ventura County government. She currently serves as Recruiting and Engagement Manager for CEO Human Resources, where she leads executive recruitments, workforce development initiatives, training programs, and organizational projects. Throughout her County career, Lorin has held fiscal, administrative, and human resources leadership roles within the Health Care Agency, Public Defender’s Office, and CEO Human Resources. She holds a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Northridge and a bachelor’s degree from California State University Channel Islands. Lorin is an active member of PSHRA Channel Islands and is committed to advancing professional growth and leadership development throughout the County.
April Del Castillo is an Engineering Manager with Engineering Services for the Ventura County Public Works Agency. She brings a diverse private-sector background delivering roadway, rail, and airport infrastructure projects. Passionate about impactful public infrastructure, April collaborates with agencies across Ventura County to advance construction projects supported by strategic funding sources. She has previously served on the boards of the ASCE Santa Barbara-Ventura Branch and the ASCE Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch (MLAB). April is honored to serve on the Management Council Board, supporting professional development and the growth of future leaders in Ventura County.
George Alton serves as an Emergency Manager with the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, where he is assigned to the Logistics Section. In this role, he is responsible for coordinating the supply chain, critical resources, facilities, and logistical support essential to sustaining disaster response and recovery operations. His mission is centered on protecting life, property, and the community through preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
George began his career with the Sheriff’s Office more than 30 years ago as a Sheriff’s Service Technician assigned to the Todd Road Jail. Throughout his career, he has held numerous assignments in custody operations, inmate booking, and the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Post, gaining extensive experience in emergency response and operational support.
Drawing on more than three decades of public service, George works closely with local, state, federal, and private-sector partners to ensure Ventura County has the resources and capabilities needed to respond effectively during major emergencies and disasters. His expertise in logistics, resource management, and emergency planning plays a vital role in strengthening community resilience and supporting emergency operations throughout Ventura County.
Deby Cisneros serves as the Executive Program Manager for the Ventura County Public Works Agency. A lifelong Ventura County resident, she brings more than 16 years of County service and extensive experience in program coordination, communications, event management, and organizational leadership. In her role, Deby leads large-scale events, cross-agency initiatives, and strategic projects that strengthen community engagement and operational effectiveness. She is passionate about public service, continuous learning, and fostering collaboration across County departments. Deby is honored to serve on the Management Council Board and support opportunities for professional development and connection among County leaders. .
Sonia Vaughn serves as Program Administrator for the Ventura County Human Services Agency – Area Agency on Aging’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), where she oversees the delivery of unbiased health insurance counseling and advocacy services. With 19 years of public service experience, Sonia has held leadership roles across multiple agency programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and is a graduate of the County’s Leadership Excellence and Action Program (LEAP). Sonia also serves on the board of California Health Advocates (CHA) and is a first-year member of the Ventura County Junior Charity League. She is dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders and strengthening engagement among Management Council members.
Shane Meserve serves as the Program Administrator responsible for the Opioid Overdose Prevention Program for Ventura County Public Health since 2024. Overdose prevention includes education on overdose issues and distribution of Naloxone (Narcan) to the community to overcome overdoses and save lives.
Shane has 30 years of professional experience in non-profit project management in mental health support programs, youth services and child abuse prevention services. She has a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Northridge and a Certification in Public Health from the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). She loves the opportunity to work on collaborative projects with colleagues to make the world a better place and looks forward to serving the Ventura County community through the Management Council.
