Bringing with her 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, Oxnard appointed Betsy George as its new chief financial officer who started the job Monday.
George was originally hired by the city in June as an assistant chief financial officer, but later replaced previous chief financial officer Kevin Riper. According to a news release, Riper took on a new position with the city of Long Beach.
George has extensive experience working in the public sector, having served as the chief financial officer for the Ventura County Human Services Agency and assistant superintendent of business services with the Ventura Unified School District from 2018-2020.
In her new role, George has a starting salary of $199,999.91, according to Oxnard communications manager Katie Casey. She has $15,245 in medical and dental coverage as well as a $4,200 auto allowance. She receives 186.16 hours of paid leave per year.
Her predecessor earned an annual $247,500 salary prior to taking a chief financial officer position in Long Beach.
Also joining Oxnard’s financial team is interim assistant chief financial officer Beth Vo and assistant chief financial officer Mark Sewell.
Vo previously served as Oxnard’s budget manager for 12 years and has a total of 18 years of financial management experience. Taking over George’s previous position, Vo has a starting salary of $165,043.74, with medical insurance totaling $14,876. She has 306.28 hours of paid time off per year.
George had a salary of $174,999.97 before her recent promotion.
Sewell’s assistant chief financial officer position is a new role to the city with a starting salary of $174,997.97. He has $14,876 in medical insurance and 186.16 hours of paid leave each year.
He previously served as Santa Barbara’s accounting manager, where he oversaw the production of the city’s financial statements.
“It’s great that we are adding experienced professionals to lead our finance department, while also promoting one of our most dedicated, hard-working team members into a leadership role,” said Oxnard city manager Alexander Nguyen in a statement. “I look forward to the continued progress of the Finance Department under Ms. George’s leadership.”
Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at [email protected] or 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.
