Ventura County Names Interim CEO After Mike Powers’ Resignation

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has chosen a longtime public health official to serve as County CEO following the abrupt departure of Mike Powers.

Dr. Sevet Johnson currently serves as chief deputy officer of the county’s Behavioral Health Department, which serves approximately 18,000 clients per year. She is a clinical psychologist and co-chair of the Cultural Competency, Equity and Social Justice Committee for the California Behavioral Health Directors Association. She has been employed by the county for 13 years.

The Board of Supervisors voted March 8 to place Powers on paid administrative leave. He later resigned. Powers is the subject of sexual harassment claims and alleged Brown Act violations.

“Our Board would like to thank Dr. Johnson for stepping up during this time,” said Board Chair Carmen Ramirez. “We are confident in her ability to help lead as we begin a search for the next County Executive Officer.”