The founder of a one of a kind non-profit in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties which helps women start, or expand businesses is retiring. Women’s Economic Ventures CEO Marsha Bailey is stepping down after nearly three decades on the job.
WEV provides training, consulting, and loans. The organization was officially launched in 1991, with Bailey as the only full time employee. Now, it has 30 full and part time staff members. It’s credited with helping some 4500 businesses, which created about 9,000 jobs.
A long time corporate leader on the South Coast has been named as Bailey’s successor. Kathy Odell will take over the CEO post when Bailey retires next year.
