Ventura County’s behavioral health director has been placed on administrative leave with an unknown date for his return, officials announced this week.
County officials did not disclose the reason for Administrator Scott Gilman’s paid leave, calling it a confidential personnel matter. Deputy Director Loretta Denering has been named acting director of the Department of Behavioral Health, which provides drug and mental health treatment to community members.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors appointed Gilman to the position more than a year ago, with support from County Executive Sevette Johnson, who previously held the top-level position. Board Chairman Matt Lover said Gilman’s decision to take a leave of absence was not initiated by the board and he did not know when the investigation into Gilman would be completed. He will continue to serve as director, LaVere said.
