Ventura County's mental health director to resign, receive pay until June

Cheri Carlson, Ventura County Star
·2 min read
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Scott Gilman
Scott Gilman

Ventura County's director of behavioral health may remain on leave for five more months and then resign in June, officials said this week.

County officials declined to provide reasons for the paid leave for administrator Scott Gilman, saying it was a confidential personnel matter.

Gilman was appointed to the post in July 2022 by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors with the support of County Executive Officer Sevet Johnson, who previously held the job. At the time of Gilman's appointment, the agency that treats people with serious mental illness employed more than 800 people and had a budget of $254 million.

Gilman, who could not be reached for comment, started his leave Aug. 29. He earns $273,056 annually in total compensation, which includes salary and benefits.

The county did provide The Star with Gilman's separation agreement, which was signed in late December.

The document states he and the county want to end his employment and resolve any potential claims he may have against the county. As of late last week, Gilman continued to be employed on a paid leave of absence, said Shawn Atin, the county's human resources director.

His resignation is expected to take effect June 22, and he may continue on paid leave until that time, officials said.

Other conditions in the agreement include:

  • County officials may ask Gilman for information or assistance related to reassigning duties during his leave. If he starts another job, he may resign when that employment begins. In that case, he is expected to be paid for any remaining time until June 22.

  • The county also is expected to pay Gilman $36,000 to cover any pending claims to reimburse work-related expenses.

  • Gilman agreed not to sue, disparage or otherwise speak poorly about the county or its employees. No employee or other county representative would be authorized to disparage or speak poorly of Gilman.

Before arriving in the county, Gilman had more than 30 years of experience in health care from on-the-ground work with patients to serving as CEO of a community health center in Michigan. A former San Mateo County administrator, he was appointed to lead the Ventura County department after a national search.

Assistant Director Loretta Denering has been named acting director of the Behavioral Health Department, which provides drug and mental health treatment to local residents.

VC Star reporter Kathleen Wilson contributed to this report.

Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County's mental health director to resign, keep pay until June