THE VENTURA COUNTY
REGIONAL DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP
BY-LAWS
REVISION 10
DECEMBER 18, 2025
By-Laws
The Ventura County
Regional Defense Partnership
(RDP)
Article I: General
Section 1.1 Name
The name of this organization is “The Ventura County Regional Defense Partnership,” hereinafter known as RDP. This organization consists of representatives from Ventura County and City governments, academia, business, industry, community, and military sectors.
Section 1.2 Purpose
To ensure the continued economic growth and viability of Ventura County through partner-based collaborative efforts to:
- Enhance the unique value of the military and related facilities located in Ventura County to the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the American Taxpayer, and the economy of Ventura County and the State of California.
- Collaborate with military and related commands to leverage existing military base capabilities and technologies to promote new commercial market opportunities in Ventura County.
- Work cooperatively with the military commands in Ventura County to:
- Strengthen existing military and community partnerships formed to attract new military missions for the bases,
- Encourage technology-based industries to utilize existing military base capabilities and resources,
- Outsource appropriately selected functions,
- Develop cooperative ventures,
- Jointly explore how to meet mission requirements at reduced cost, and
- Encourage workforce development programs between the various military tenant commands, local governments, and educational facilities.
- Work with appropriate Congressional representatives and Federal officials to bring more military and related construction programs to the Ventura County military commands.
Article II: Board of Directors
Section 2.1 General Powers
The affairs of RDP shall be governed and managed by a Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as The Board).
2.1.a. Board membership shall be comprised of representatives from:
- Ventura County Government (elected officials),
- Governments of cities located in Ventura County that financially support RDP (elected officials), and
- Public Members
2.1.b. Duties of the Board: The Board shall have the following responsibilities:
- Establishing policy,
- Setting strategic direction,
- Providing management oversight,
- Approving the budget and maintaining budget oversight, and
- Establishing committees and appointing committee members. Members of the Board may serve as members of committees
o Community members with specialized expertise may also serve as members of
committees
Section 2.2 Board Number and Tenure
2.2.a. The County of Ventura will be given two voting seats to be filled from members of the
Board of Supervisors.
2.2.b. Each city contributing financially to RDP will be given one voting seat to be filled from
the city council members or mayor.
2.2.c. Public members of the Board shall be nominated by the Executive Board and approved
by the RDP Board.
2.2.d. Board members shall serve for a period of 2 years, but can serve multiple terms. The
Board will review at least annually the Board membership and participation, and determine the
need to add and/or replace Public Board members.
2.2.e. The minimum number of members is two (2) Supervisors, two (2) local city government
elected officials, and four (4) public members. The maximum number of public members is not
stipulated, but shall not exceed the number of public agency members.
.
Section 2.3 Compensation
2.3.a. Board members will serve without compensation in the performance of their Board
duties. With the exception of Governmental member’s travel, expenses incurred by Board
members for furtherance of the RDP vision may be reimbursed upon request if budgeted and
approved by the Executive Director.
2.3.b. The Board may provide compensation for individuals for their time involved in
administration, direction, or implementation of RDP tasks if the effort is considered necessary
and beyond what could reasonably be expected of an individual to donate of their time or
resources. None of these positions shall be full time. A job description for these tasks and/or
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positions shall be developed and approved by the Board. Government Officials or their
employees will not be compensated for their time unless specifically provided for in the
approved Budget for that fiscal year. Compensation will be limited to those who are not
otherwise compensated by their employer for their RDP work.
2.3.c. Travel expenses can be paid or reimbursed for those doing business for RDP who have
received prior approval by the Executive Board except for Government Officials and their
employees. All travel expenses must have prior budget approval.
Section 2.4. Meetings
Regular RDP Board Meetings will be held as required, but at least annually.
Location: Meeting place will be determined by the Executive Director.
Agenda: A meeting agenda and supporting material will be developed and sent to all
members of the Board of Directors at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Section 2.5 Voting
Each Board member present shall have one vote. A quorum is a minimum of 50% of the Board.
Article III: Officers
Section 3.1 Officers
The Board of Directors shall have four officers for leadership of the Board
3.1.a Ventura County Supervisor : Co-chairperson of the Board. The Ventura County
Board of Supervisors will designate one of its representatives as primary representative to RDP,
who will serve as Co-Chair.
3.1.b Executive Director of RDP : Co-chairperson of the Board
3.1.c The Board of Directors will elect from the city representatives a Vice-Chair, whose term
will be for two years, but can serve more than one term.
3.1.d The Board of Directors will elect from its members a Treasurer, whose term will be for two
years, but can serve more than one term
Section 3.2 Duties of the Co-Chairs
The Co-Chair shall have the following duties, responsibilities and authorities:
Preside at RDP regular and annual meetings,
Act as an ex-officio member of all committees,
Be a member of the Executive Committee,
In March of odd numbered years, appoint a committee to review the performance of the Executive
Director, Treasurer and banking services,
Establish committees and appoint members, who are to be approved by the Board, and
Other duties as prescribed by these By-Laws or the Board.
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Section 3,3 Duties of the Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair shall have the following duties, responsibilities and authorities:
Preside at RDP regular and annual meetings in the absence of the Co-Chairs,
Be a Member of the Executive Board, and
Other duties as prescribed by these By-Laws or the Board.
Section 3.4 Duties of the Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have the following duties, responsibilities and authorities:
Act as the interface to the organization responsible for the banking, accounting, and
disbursement of funds,
Manage claims for re-imbursement prior to being sent to above organization,
Manage contract billings and review prior to forwarding for payment to above organization,
Manage the funding requests and obtain funds from the cities and county, and deposit in the
RDP Account at a location designated by the Board,
Monitor receipt of funds and do any necessary follow-up,
Maintain the current budget,
File RDP taxes with the IRS and Franchise Tax Board each year,
File the annual Renewal of Charitable Organizations forms California Attorney General,
Work with the Executive Director to develop the line-item annual budget, and
Be a member of the Executive Board.
Section 3.5 Executive Board
3.5.a: Purpose: To consult with and advise the Executive Director of the organization on major
issues and polices that cross the responsibilities of the offices of the Co-Chairs, Vice-Chair, and
Treasurer
3.5.b Membership : The Executive Board members are the Executive Director, the Co-Chairs,
the Vice Chair and the Treasurer
3.5.c. The Board may appoint other positions as required to carry out the duties of RDP by vote
of a majority of the quorum of Board members.
Article IV RDP Executive Director
Section 4.1 Position Description
Operational manager of RDP, including all aspects of managing the non-profit organization
including administration, recommending policy changes to the Board, creating operating
procedures, ensuring that we are operating efficiently, and ensuring that legal and fiduciary
standards are met.
Is a Member of, and a designated Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, along with the County
Designee.
The position also recommends contractors for Board approval, manages those contracts,
and shares approval of contractor payments with the Treasurer.
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The position works closely with the Co-Chair, Board of Directors, government officials,
elected officials and the public, and ensures that contractors are aligned with RDP’s mission
and vision in working together to successfully achieve strategic objectives.
Section 4.2 Qualifications
Organizational management experience required; Technical and engineering background is
desired.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Extensive experience in managing within a complex environment of different organizations
including Navy, Defense and federal/state/local government organizations.
Previous experience in a senior leadership role in Government, Industry or Non-profit
organization.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful strategic plans.
Understanding of financial management.
Strong aptitude for verbal and written communication, presentation, and relationship
development.
Section 4.3 Responsibilities and Duties
The Executive Director shall have the following duties, responsibilities, and authorities:
Board & Committees
Acts as an ex-officio member of all committees,
Is a Member of, and a designated Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, along with the County
Designee.
Sets and distributes agendas and supporting material for RDP’s board meetings, general
membership meetings, and other meetings,
Recommends to the Board new committees, appointees, and support contracts,
Takes general operating policies to the Board for approval,
Appoints Board members to attend meetings related to RDP business, and
Performs other duties as prescribed by the By-Laws or the Board.
Meetings & Events
Schedules monthly general membership meetings and the annual board meeting,
Books locations for general membership and annual board meetings,
Distributes the meeting agenda and supporting material to all members of the Board of
Directors at least 72 hours prior to each meeting
Sets up annual Command meetings,
Works with the Lobbyist to plan the annual lobbying trip, including determining offices to
visit, setting trip dates, selecting hotels, overseeing contracts, and approving issues/white
papers,
Approves proposed travel and participation in events for non-government members, and
Represents RDP at local command events, receptions, changes of command, and other
community functions.
Finance & Budget
Works with the Treasurer to develop the annual budget and initiates the budget process,
Provides management and oversight of the budget,
Provides line-item budget for Board approval, and
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Shares responsibility with the Treasurer for reimbursement and contractor payment
oversight.
Administration & Operations
Leads operation of the RDP office and establishes work assignments and standards for
administrative staff,
Verifies all government agency appointees to the Board by February each year and
distributes bylaws, articles of association, and policies to new members,
Administers contracts, provides direction to contractors, and oversees contractor
compliance,
Develops the yearly work plan,
Develops and implements strategic plans in partnership with the Board, and
Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
External Relations
Acts as the principal RDP interface to local defense commands and with city governments,
Serves as point person with RDP lobbyist(s),
Develops positive relationships with key stakeholders,
Coordinates public relations activities and leads the creation of promotional materials,
Acts as community interface with groups such as chambers of commerce and other local
organizations, and
Travels as needed to represent RDP.
Section 4.4 Selection
The Board will form a committee to search for candidates. The committee will make
recommendations to the Board of the candidates who meet the qualifications.
Candidates shall be selected without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion
(creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry) disability, marital status,
or sexual orientation.
Upon Board approval of list, the search committee will interview selected candidates and
make a recommendation to the Board.
Board will make final Approval and agree on the Contract.
Section 4.5 Compensation
Compensation will be determined at the time of selection by the RDP Board.
Section 4.6 Evaluation
In March of odd numbered years, the Chair will appoint an evaluation committee of at least 3
members of the Board to review performance and make a recommendation on retention and
report at the annual Board meeting.
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Article V RDP Membership
Section 5.1 Membership
RDP membership is in two classes summarized as follows:
5.1.a. Public Agency Membership
Ventura County Cities that financially contribute annually to RDP
County of Ventura, provided it makes its annual financial contribution to RDP
5.1.b. Public Members
People who live or work in Ventura County and have an interest in the purpose of RDP as
stated in Article 1 of these Bylaws. Membership requires attendance at a monthly meeting and a
request to become a member. No attendance in a twelve-month period removes them from
membership.
5.1.c. Member Rights
The only members empowered to vote are its Board of Directors.
Nothing in these By-Laws precludes any other member from participating in consensus
development and discussions at RDP meetings.
All RDP members are eligible to serve on RDP committees provided that requirements
contained in these By-Laws are met.
Article VI Budgets, Funding, and Fiscal Year
Section 6.1 Budget Preparation
It is the responsibility of the Executive Director in conjunction with the Treasurer to prepare the
line-item budget and present it for Board approval. Upon approval, it is the responsibility of
Executive Director to administer the budget and carry out the financial management plan.
Section 6.2 Board Action
The Board may make changes to the proposed budget as necessary and appropriate. Approval
of the budget or changes to the budget shall be by a majority vote of the quorum, at an inperson
or virtual meeting.
Section 6.3 Funding
Funding shall be through annual contributions from Ventura County cities and the County of
Ventura. Funding requests will be made based on a formula approved by the Board. No funding
request will be made to other categories of members.
Section 6.4 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year for RDP shall begin on July 1st and shall end at midnight on June 30th of each
year.
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Article VII Disbursements and Audits
Section 7.1 Disbursements
The Board shall cause to be established a system regarding the manner in which
disbursements for expenses are authorized.
Section 7.2 Audit
An audit shall be made of RDP financial records and accounts at least annually. This audit is
conducted as part of the City of Camarillo annual audit and satisfies this requirement.
Article VIII Miscellaneous
Section 8.1 Parliamentary Procedure/Rules of Order
The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall govern RDPmeetings
in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with
these By-Laws and/or any special rules of order that the RDP Board may adopt.
Section 8.2 Amendment of By-Laws
These By-Laws may be amended by the Board at any RDP Board meeting by a majority vote of
the Board.
.
Section 8.3 Dissolution
This organization can be dissolved by simple majority vote of the Board. Upon dissolution of the
organization, any remaining funds shall be distributed to designated non-profit corporations
(existing under the laws of the State of California) as approved by a majority of the Board.
DATE: 12/18/2025 DATE: 12/18/2025
Supervisor Kelly Long
RDP Co-Chair
Gene Fisher
RDP Co-Chair and Executive Director
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Appendix A
RDP By-Law Changes
Date Change Approval Revision #
6/23/10 Attachment A Added Track Changes 6
6/23/10 Add review criteria for public co-chair
and Vice Chair Paragraph 3.1.a2 &
3.1.b1
Board Action of 6/16/10 6
6/16/16 Removed Treasure function from
Vice-Chair & Created new Treasure
Position
Board Action of 6/16/16 7
2/01/21 Changes for RDP-21 Executive
Director position establishment
Board Action of
2/03/2021
8
6/29/2023 Audit & Exec Dir Review Board Action 9
12/18/2025 Sub-Committee Review and Updates Board Action 10