The City of Ventura announced the appointment of William “Bill” Ayub as the new city manager, effective August 8, 2023, citing his “diverse and extensive law enforcement background and a strong commitment to public service,” which enhance his new leadership role.
“My immediate challenge with the new position is stabilizing the leadership team,” Ayub told the Guardian. “Ventura has not had a permanent city manager for almost a year, and there has been a good deal of turnover with city staff and managers. Longer term challenges include tackling many capital improvement needs with limited dollars, strengthening the city’s water supply and resiliency to natural disasters, and filling key leadership positions.”
Ayub brings more than 37 years of law enforcement experience, including nearly 15 years in management, most of it with the County of Ventura. He served as the Sheriff of Ventura County for more than four years until his retirement in January 2023.
One of the “chief opportunities” he sees with his new position is “to shepherd the development of the city’s new general plan across the finish line,” he said. He also hopes to improve the city’s processes and service delivery, “implement long overdue technological advancements,” “tackle Ventura’s aging infrastructure with creative funding strategies, and to improve the city’s financial position.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill Ayub as our new city manager,” Mayor Joe Schroeder said in a statement. “His exceptional track record of collaborative leadership and dedication to uplifting the community fit perfectly with our city’s values. We are confident that he will lead with integrity, foster positive connections in our community, and provide a visionary direction that will propel Ventura towards an exciting and prosperous future.”
Ayub began his career in 1985 as a police cadet and reserve police officer with the Santa Paula Police Department. He went on to serve as a police officer in the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada, and the City of Port Hueneme before joining the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in 1996.
“I am honored and excited to take on the role of city manager for the City of Ventura,” said Ayub in a statement. “Serving in the city I call home means a great deal to me. I look forward to working alongside the talented team here to build on Ventura’s strengths, tackle challenges, and uplift our residents’ overall quality of life while promoting a culture of collaboration and responsiveness.”
Ayub has a long history of volunteering, serving as an assistant coach for Little League and on its board of directors. He is involved with organizations such as the Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and the Board of Directors for Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families.
Ayub holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from CSU Northridge and a master of science in emergency services administration from CSU Long Beach. As the city manager, Ayub will earn a base salary of $280,000, and his total compensation with benefits will be $351,130.
