Doug Arnett
Retirement Benefits Specialist
Doug works in our Death Benefits Unit. He is primarily responsible for processing survivor continuances and beneficiary payments.
Richard Burke
Retirement Benefits Specialist
Richard has been employed with the County of Ventura for more than 23 years. During his years with the County of Ventura, he has worked for the Assessor’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, and Air Pollution Control District prior to joining VCERA in July of 2013. What he enjoys most about being a Benefit Specialist is meeting with members and guiding them through the retirement process.
Chantell Garcia
Retirement Benefits Specialist
Chantell works in our Actives Unit. She is primarily responsible for processing benefit estimate and service credit purchase requests.
Michelle Hernandez
System Administrator
Michelle is primarily responsible for ensuring our pension system stays up and running effectively.
Leah Oliver
Chief Technology Officer
Leah provides leadership in building and supporting VCERA’s information technology (IT) infrastructure. She has 20 years of IT experience, including 10 years with the County of Ventura’s Information Technology Services Department. Leah received a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and a Master in Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University.
Jackie Pineda
Retirement Benefits Specialist
Jackie has worked for the County of Ventura since 2013. Before joining VCERA, she worked for the Department of Child Support. She enjoys working at VCERA due to the positive, encouraging, and happy attitude feel in the office. She also enjoys helping members with their questions and concerns.
Gina Simonelli
Retirement Benefits Specialist
Gina works in our Actives Unit. She is primarily responsible for processing benefit estimate and service credit purchase requests.
Angie Tolentino
Retirement Benefits Specialist
Angie works in our Retiree Payroll Unit. She is primarily responsible for calculating benefits.
Josiah Vencel
Retirement Benefits Manager
Josiah joined VCERA as its Communications Officer in 2018 after a 12-year tenure as the Communications Officer at Kern County’s pension plan. In early 2020, he began managing VCERA’s Disabilities Division. Earlier in his career, he filled various communications roles in the healthcare, financial services and technology industries. He earned a B.A. in Public Relations from Biola University and an M.S. in Holistic Nutrition from Hawthorn University, and he is a Colson Fellow. Josiah is the author of The Pension Plan (2020) and Culture Makers (2008).
Linda Webb
Retirement Administrator
Linda Webb joined the Ventura County Employees’ Retirement Association (VCERA) as Retirement Administrator in January of 2015.
Christina Webb
Retirement Benefits Specialist
Christina has worked for the County of Ventura since 2002. Before starting with VCERA in 2012, she worked for Public Heath Fiscal and the Farm Advisor Agency. Her favorite thing about working at VCERA is educating members about their pension benefit.
