Campbell settles in as director of finance
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers WELCOME- Ronnie Campbell is Camarillo's new finance director.

For Ronnie Campbell, Camarillo was the right choice for him.

After working as the assistant director of finance for Lakewood for 10 years, Campbell was recently hired to head the same department in Camarillo.

"I was very happy in Lakewood, and I was looking for the right opportunity in the right city," Campbell said. "I found Camarillo to be that right opportunity."

Raised in San Jose, Calif., Campbell hopes to continue keeping the city in the black. Leading a team of about 18 fulltime workers, the 42yearold heads a department that must account for the city's revenues and expenditures. The finance department also puts together the annual budget.

At the moment, the finance department is focusing on developing a budget for the 200809 fiscal year. The two-year budget plan runs from 200809 to 200910, and Campbell will consider the concerns of the city council before taking input from other departments.

Before taking the job, the Moorpark resident attended three Camarillo City Council meetings. Campbell was impressed with the professionalism and the way the councilmembers interacted and accomplished the goals on their agenda.

After working for the San Diego Housing Authority from 199197, Campbell found working in a smaller municipality like Lakewood, which is next to Long Beach, to be a breath of fresh air.

"You get a lot of up-close, personal time working handinhand with the city manager," he said. "There's a lot of interaction between departments. You get a better feel for government and how it works."

An active member of California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), Campbell's predecessor, Anita Lawrence, was a previous president of the CSMFO.

Campbell took his first job with California First bank, now Union Bank, after graduating from San Diego State University. A big Los Angeles Lakers fan, Campbell also enjoys spending time with his family and friends and being active in his local church.

Although Camarillo is in good financial shape, Campbell wants to make sure the growing city stays on the right path.

"One of the things for concern for Camarillo is financial planning for the future," Campbell said. "That's something I definitely look forward to."