VENTURA : Development Chief for Business Named

After a months-long search and recommendations from two independent panels, City Manager Donna Landeros has named a San Jose redevelopment specialist as Ventura’s new economic development manager.

David O. Kleitsch, who has spent the past five years as a project manager with the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, will begin his new duties late next month, Landeros said.

“Mr. Kleitsch was rated very highly by both panels,” Landeros said. “We are very excited to have someone of his background.”

The selection follows months of interviews conducted by a panel of business leaders appointed by members of the City Council. Another group of city department heads conducted separate interviews and also recommended Kleitsch for the position, the city manager said.

Acting in response to local merchants, the City Council earlier this year approved spending nearly $240,000 to establish a business development department, with a chief who reports directly to Landeros.

Kleitsch’s responsibilities will include attracting new firms, helping existing companies with expansion of business development plans, applying for state and federal grants, streamlining the permitting process and promoting tourism.

Kleitsch holds dual master’s degrees in public administration and city and regional planning, and also received a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning.

Prior to accepting his position in San Jose, Kleitsch worked as a development specialist at smaller cities in Arizona and Montana.