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Team
Meet the
CARLENE SAXTON
Community Development Director
Carlene Saxton joined the City of Moorpark in October 2021 as the Community Development Director. In this capacity, she oversees a $3.4M departmental budget for six functional divisions; Administration, Building & Safety, Code Compliance, Housing, Planning, and Economic Development. Ms. Saxton is a passionate public servant with over a half decade in the private sector. Her career has spanned public works, CEQA and NEPA compliance, advanced and current planning efforts, and economic development opportunities. In her position, she channels her extensive planning knowledge into the full development process. She is deeply enthusiastic about guiding developers from their initial prospecting conversations to entitlement and project approval and, finally, to certificate of occupancy. Carlene holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in development and planning from University College London.
Doug Spondello joined the City of Moorpark in June 2019. In his current role as Deputy Community Development Director, he oversees the Planning and Code Compliance Divisions. Mr. Spondello has over 15 years of experience working in municipal government. This includes facilitating development projects and strategic partnerships with companies such as Procter and Gamble, Amazon, Haas Automation, Volkswagen/Bugatti, Northrop Grumman, Mission Produce, Deardorff Family Farms, Comstock Homes, Shea Properties, The Daly Group, and others. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Studies from Loyola Marymount University, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the California State University, Northridge. Born and raised in Ventura County, Mr. Spondello is passionate about ensuring the long-term economic viability of our region, finding solutions, and facilitating opportunities within the City of Moorpark.
DOUG SPONDELLO
Deputy Community Development Director
John Bandek joined the City of Moorpark's Economic Development Division in February 2022 as the City's Business Development Officer. In this capacity, he oversees Moorpark's economic development efforts and serves as the "go-to" person at Moorpark City Hall for all-things business-related. He is responsible for developing and executing economic development initiatives that support the City's business retention and attraction efforts. Such initiatives include the launch of the DiscoverMoorpark.com website and @DiscoverMoorpark social media accounts, organizing the City's first-ever Mayor's Business Appreciation Luncheon, conducting business visits, and developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan. Mr. Bandek holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University and is pursuing two Master's Degrees from the University of Southern California (Urban Planning and Public Administration).