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Castaic Chamber of Commerce (5 years)
• Vice president
Organizational Impact: As chairman of the SCV chamber in 2017, John Musella led the chamber through
an important period of transition, including relocation to new, upgraded offices. He oversaw financial
restructuring that has positively positioned the chamber for a brighter future and increased membership
growth. He was named the 2016 Castaic Man of the Year and was the recipient of the SCV Chamber
Chairman’s Award in 2014.
Biography: As president of the Musella Group, John has been on the cutting edge of public relations for
nearly 15 years, serving as a communications executive and media liaison for high-profile organizations and
Fortune 500 companies. Musella first started in the PR agency world as vice president of a Los Angeles PR
firm. While there, he worked with Shell Hydrogen in launching renewable energy fueling stations to the LA
marketplace, and with a major pet food manufacturer in developing and implementing crisis communications
strategies during a major national pet food recall. Musella’s corporate communications experience includes
serving as director of Public Relations for KB Home, a Fortune 500 Company; director of Communications/
Government & Environmental Affairs for Newhall Land’s Valencia and Newhall Ranch developments, and
Corporate Affairs manager for Playa Vista urban infill. Previously, Musella served as press deputy for LA
County Supervisor Don Knabe, where he was the chief spokesperson to the media and primary speechwriter.
During his time in the supervisor’s office, Musella was instrumental in helping create LA County’s first
Civic Arts Policy and in developing the County’s Safe Surrender Baby Program. Musella serves on the board
of directors of the Building Industry Association LA/Ventura Chapter, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber
of Commerce, the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Santa Clarita Valley
International School. He has also served as vice president of the Public Relations Society of America,
L.A. A graduate of Washington State University, Musella attended the Edward R. Murrow College of
Communication, where he received a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Musella lives in Santa Clarita with
his husband, Ivan Volschenk.

Jim Ventress
Retired, CEO Boys & Girls Club Santa Clarita
Nominated by Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita
Boys & Girls Club (31.5 years)
• Chief Executive Officer (29 years)
• Club ambassador (2.5 years)
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles (17 years)
• Screening Committee Member
United Way (18 years)
• Core of Executives
• Speaking engagements
Anti-Gang Task Force (9 years)
• Founding Committee member
City of Santa Clarita
• Planning, Hiring, and Teen Panel volunteer
SCV Domestic Violence Center (3 years)
• Board member
L.A. Alliance for Boys & Girls Club (6 years)
• Board member
Organizational Impact: Jim Ventress has become one of the key volunteers in the SCV Boys and Girls Club
organization. Jim is in a unique position to help us because of his knowledge of everything Boys & Girls Club.
Though a lot of his perks as a volunteer may be utilized on the business end of things, Jim is just as valuable
doing physical labor for us. At every auction and festival, Jim is there to help set up for the event. He is on his
hands and knees plugging in extension cords and making sure the layout of everything is right. To have him