County of Ventura Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

County of Ventura has 6 executives leading key functions including administrative coordination, information technology infrastructure, digital systems management, technical support, business ownership, and legal governance.

Committed to public service excellence, County of Ventura delivers essential healthcare, transportation, and administrative programs to residents across southern California through robust, community-focused government operations.

Leadership Roles at County of Ventura

  • Owner and President - Debra Thomas
  • President & General Counsel - Robert Roy
  • Chief of Staff - Lourdes Solorzano
  • Chief Information Officer - Terry Theobald
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Ernest Ferdman
  • Chief Information Officer, Assisitant - Pat Patterson
  • Debra Thomas - Owner and President

    Debra Thomas, the Owner and President at County of Ventura, provides high-level strategic guidance and oversight for the organization's long-term objectives. Directing the overall vision of the government entity, the Owner and President ensures that all departments remain focused on the core mission of serving the local population. This role involves evaluating the effectiveness of public programs and adjusting strategies to meet the evolving needs of the region. By fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, Debra Thomas drives the successful delivery of healthcare, transportation, and legal services. The Owner and President engages with stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for maintaining extensive facilities throughout southern California. Through the management of organizational growth and fiscal health, the Owner and President supports the stability of the county. This leadership role remains critical for maintaining the high standards of public service that define the organization's impact on the community.

    Robert Roy - President & General Counsel

    Robert Roy, the President & General Counsel at County of Ventura, manages the legal framework and strategic governance of the organization. Overseeing all legal administration and compliance matters, the President & General Counsel ensures that government operations adhere to state and local regulations. This role involves providing legal advice to other executive leaders and representing the county in complex administrative proceedings. By mitigating legal risks, Robert Roy protects the interests of the organization and the residents it serves. The President & General Counsel works to align legal strategies with the broader goals of the county, including the expansion of healthcare and transportation services. Through the rigorous application of legal standards, the President & General Counsel maintains the transparency and integrity of government processes. This leadership position remains vital for navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring that all public programs operate within the bounds of the law.

    Lourdes Solorzano - Chief of Staff

    Lourdes Solorzano, the Chief of Staff at County of Ventura, directs administrative operations and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure efficient public service delivery. Managing high-level policy implementation, the Chief of Staff aligns internal resources with the broader goals of the government entity. This role involves facilitating communication between various departments, including human resources and medical services, to maintain operational continuity. By streamlining organizational workflows, Lourdes Solorzano optimizes the impact of county programs on the local population. The Chief of Staff monitors performance metrics across all regional facilities, ensuring that public resources support the diverse needs of the community. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of government processes. This leadership position remains vital for the successful execution of county-wide mandates and the long-term stability of public service infrastructure throughout the southern California region.

    Terry Theobald - Chief Information Officer

    Terry Theobald, the Chief Information Officer at County of Ventura, architects the digital infrastructure and information technology systems necessary for modern government administration. Overseeing the security and scalability of data networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all public-facing digital services remain accessible and secure for residents. This role involves managing the technological backbone of healthcare clinics and financial service departments to improve operational efficiency. By implementing advanced software solutions, Terry Theobald drives the digital transformation of county services across the entire region. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate technology into daily government functions, reducing administrative friction. Through the deployment of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive resident data. This strategic focus on technological innovation supports the overall mission of providing reliable, high-quality services to the local population while maintaining fiscal responsibility within the organization.
    Terry Theobald

    Ernest Ferdman - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Ernest Ferdman, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at County of Ventura, manages the daily execution of information technology projects and technical support operations. Focusing on the maintenance of internal hardware and software systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that all departments possess the tools required for effective service delivery. This role involves supervising technical teams that support healthcare centers and administrative offices throughout the county. By optimizing system performance and reducing downtime, Ernest Ferdman enhances the reliability of government digital assets. The Deputy Chief Information Officer works closely with the Chief Information Officer to implement long-term technology strategies that align with the needs of the local population. Through the management of complex IT workflows, the Deputy Chief Information Officer maintains the operational readiness of the entire government entity. This leadership role directly impacts the efficiency of public programs by ensuring that critical digital infrastructure remains functional and responsive.

    Pat Patterson - Chief Information Officer, Assisitant

    Pat Patterson, the Chief Information Officer, Assisitant at County of Ventura, coordinates specialized technical support and data management initiatives for the government organization. Focusing on the integration of new digital tools within medical services and public clinics, the Chief Information Officer, Assisitant ensures that staff members utilize technology effectively to serve the community. This role involves managing vendor relationships and overseeing the procurement of essential hardware for regional facilities. By facilitating the adoption of modern software, Pat Patterson improves the speed and accuracy of administrative tasks. The Chief Information Officer, Assisitant collaborates with IT leadership to troubleshoot system issues and maintain high standards of service availability. Through the oversight of specific technical projects, the Chief Information Officer, Assisitant contributes to the overall digital resilience of the county. This position remains essential for bridging the gap between complex technological systems and the practical needs of the local population.
    Pat Patterson

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding County of Ventura Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads County of Ventura?
    County of Ventura is led by Debra Thomas (Owner and President), along with executives such as Robert Roy (President & General Counsel) and Lourdes Solorzano (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of County of Ventura’s executive team?
    The executive team of County of Ventura includes leaders such as Debra Thomas (Owner and President), Robert Roy (President & General Counsel), Lourdes Solorzano (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does County of Ventura have?
    County of Ventura has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in County of Ventura’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of County of Ventura includes roles such as Owner and President, President & General Counsel, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Deputy Chief Information Officer.