Housing Trust Fund Ventura County strengthens leadership with five new board members

2/6/2025

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) proudly welcomes five distinguished community leaders to its Board of Directors in 2025. The new class of directors includes Elsa Brown, Maruja Clensay, Garry Collett, Angel Garcia, and Sean Morreale. These new additions bring a wealth of expertise in finance, government affairs, housing development, and real estate investment, helping to further position Housing Trust Fund VC as a leader in addressing the area’s affordable housing crisis. Their expertise and dedication will support Housing Trust Fund VC as the organization continues to drive forward its mission to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County. Housing Trust Fund VC extends its utmost appreciation to outgoing Board members—Marni Brook, Jennie Buckingham, Carrick DeHart, and Emilio Ramirez—for their dedicated service and unwavering commitment to advancing housing affordability. Their leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact.

"Access to affordable housing is one of Ventura County’s most pressing challenges, and strong leadership is key to driving solutions. We are excited to welcome these accomplished professionals to our Board as we expand our impact and deepen our commitment to the community,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. "We also thank our departing Board members for their invaluable service—their dedication has helped lay the foundation for the progress we continue to make."

Elsa Brown has over two decades of experience in affordable housing development and economic policy. Brown serves as Development Manager for the City of Oxnard’s Housing Department and has played a key role in securing funding and approvals for major affordable housing projects, including Oxnard’s $38M Mixed-Use Navigation Center.

Maruja Clensay is a Ventura native with experience in city planning and public affairs. She currently serves as Assistant Community Development Director for the City of Ventura. Her background includes spearheading housing and land-use initiatives, as well as leading recovery efforts for the Thomas Fire rebuild projects.

Garry Collett is a seasoned real estate investor and affordable housing advocate, Collett is Co-Founder of California Commercial Investment Group. With over 50 years of experience in real estate investment and development, he brings a strategic vision for expanding affordable housing opportunities.

Angel Garcia is a rising leader in government and public affairs, Garcia serves as Administrative Assistant for Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez. His expertise includes policy advocacy, community outreach, and securing funding for local initiatives, including a recent $150,000 grant to support community programs.

Sean Morreale is a highly accomplished financial executive with decades of experience in commercial banking and credit solutions. Morreale returns to Housing Trust Fund VC’s board after previously serving from 2013 to 2021. As Managing Director at First Citizens Bank, he fostered public-private partnerships and strategic lending initiatives.

Housing Trust Fund VC invites the community to meet the new board members at its Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, February 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Community Room at Westview II in Ventura. Guests and stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn how impact investments are transforming local communities and how Community Impact Notes allow corporations, foundations, and individuals to directly support affordable housing while earning a return on their investment. Click here to reserve your seat.

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County strengthens leadership with five new board members

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