County probation chief to retire after more than 10 years as leader
The chief of Ventura County's Probation Agency is retiring after more than a decade leading the unit.
Mark Varela will retire on Jan. 28. Varela, who turns 57 this month, has been the county's probation chief since March 2010 and has worked for the county for 34 years.
“We sincerely appreciate Chief Varela’s decades-long service to Ventura County,” County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson said in a statement. “Thanks to his leadership and vision, our Probation Agency is stronger and more well positioned than ever before to continue on a path of leading systemic change in rehabilitation and criminal justice. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
The agency employs more than 400 people and has an annual operating budget of nearly $78 million.
Varela is the first Latino to serve in the role and the ninth probation chief in the agency's 113-year history. His annual base salary is $230,342, with an added monthly car allowance of $575, according to the county.
Varela said in a statement he leaves behind staff "who are committed to our mission and fiercely dedicated to serving our community ... I look forward to seeing the positive impact the Probation Agency will continue to make in our neighborhoods and communities.”
He plans to travel, spend time with family and remain active in community affairs.
During his tenure, Varela led the agency through state and local changes in the criminal justice system. Highlights include new rehabilitative programs for youth in the county's juvenile facilities, development of various evening reporting centers for youth and resource centers for adults, expansion of jail and alternative detention programs and partnerships with service and treatment providers, county officials said.
Matt LaVere, chair of the Board of Supervisors, said in a statement the agency has made transformative changes with effective programs for rehabilitation and prevention with Varela at the helm.
“Among many community programs and approaches implemented under his leadership, Mark was instrumental in construction oversight and transition to the county’s juvenile justice center," Lavere said.
The Board of Supervisors and Superior Court will have four months to appoint a successor. Recruitment for the position is expected to open in coming weeks.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County Probation Chief Mark Varela to retire
