County Executive Gets New, Tonier Title

Ventura County’s top manager will be called chief executive officer, the Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday, capping a series of reforms aimed at tightening control over county finances.

The change in title from chief administrative officer may seem minor, Chief Executive Johnny Johnston said, but it holds symbolic significance for those watching how the county’s $1-billion budget and 7,100 employees are managed.

Under the guidance of former Chief Administrator Harry Hufford, the board in November beefed up the authority of the county’s top manager. In addition to making personnel decisions, the chief executive has more centralized control of county finances and a financial deputy.