Taxpayer Foundation Honors Bill Wilson

The Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation (VCTF) shall honor Bill Wilson's memory with the recurring 'Taxpayer Excellence' Award for those that exhibit outstanding contributions to the community and unwavering dedication to taxpayer advocacy.

William Walter (Bill) Wilson's remarkable journey began with degrees from Stanford University and UCLA, followed by a successful career with Bank of America in various locations, including South America and Canada. Upon retiring, he became involved in citrus ranching in Ventura County.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was a community champion. He played a crucial role in establishing the Bank of Ventura to serve local banking needs and generously devoted his time and talents to numerous non-profit organizations, including the United Way.

Bill's impact extended to taxpayer advocacy. He served on various oversight committees, including Oxnard Measure A, and was a vocal watchdog for taxpayers during his two-decade tenure on the VCERA Retirement board. His collaboration with the Ventura County Taxpayers Association and the Reason Foundation aimed to reform County pensions for fairness and accountability.  He was an integral member of VCTA's Board of Directors and was a leading advocate to expanding its influence county-wide.

In his later years, Bill created an endowment to support local non-profits, managed by the Ventura County Community Foundation, continuing his commitment to the community.

Bill Wilson's legacy aligns perfectly with VCTF's mission, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award, presented annually to individuals, elected officials, or companies dedicated to taxpayer advocacy.