Former Star publisher joins Ventura Co. Community Foundation

Author, publisher and speaker Tim Gallagher has been elected to the Ventura County Community Foundation board of directors. His term began in January.

Gallagher is president of 20/ 20 Consulting in Westlake Village, specializing in reputation enhancement and building Internet-focused businesses.

The Ventura County Community Foundation is a family of charitable funds whose combined assets exceed $110 million.

Gallagher spent 30 years in the newspaper business, where he served as editor of the Ventura County Star from 1995 to 2004 and as the Star publisher from 2004 to 2007.

Prior to moving to California in 1995, he was editor of the Albuquerque Tribune in New Mexico. The newspapers he has worked for have won several awards for public service, coverage of the environment and growth. "I have long admired VCCF from afar. Its growth has been admirable. Its benefits to Ventura County have been considerable. I look forward to being a contributor to its growth," Gallagher said. "My chief special interest in serving on the board is to advance literacy causes in the county."

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he moved to New Mexico with his family in 1972, and he graduated from the University of New Mexico with degrees in journalism and English. He and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Somis and have six children.

"We are delighted to have Tim as a new board member," said Mary Leavens Schwabauer, board chair and Moorpark resident. "His expertise and experience will add much to future decisions and discussions involving the philanthropic message we continue to share with the public. We consider it a real opportunity and privilege to have him as a part of the group, particularly considering his many efforts throughout the county to offer assistance and his presence."

For more information, visit www.vccf.org