Office of City Manager

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About Your City Manager

Scott Ochoa began his career in local government as an intern with the City of Monrovia in 1993 while in his senior year at Claremont McKenna College.  In 1996, Ochoa earned his Master’s in Public Administration from USC with an emphasis on public-sector entrepreneurship.  By 2004, he had risen through the organization and was appointed City Manager by the Monrovia City Council.  During his tenure as City Manager, Monrovia continued its aggressive economic development program, dealt with the impacts of the Great Recession, and worked to balance development pressure while maintaining the community’s quality of life.

In January 2012, Scott moved to the City of Glendale to serve as their City Manager for nearly six years. During his time in Glendale, Scott evaluated and streamlined City operations and forged community partnerships to keep Glendale on a trajectory toward sound financial management, innovative and resourceful leadership, and outstanding public services. He was keenly focused on utilizing economic development and leveraging private investment to create place value and new revenue for City services. This success was seen throughout the community with the development of over 4,100 new multi-family units, the influx of new and exciting businesses in the Downtown area, and the reinvestment in public infrastructure and quality-of-life amenities.  During Scott’s tenure, Glendale emerged from the Great Recession trim, efficient, and balanced.  

In October 2017, Scott was appointed Ontario’s City Manager. He has since utilized his skills, abilities, and experiences to continue the community’s forward progress toward achieving the vision and goals established by Ontario’s Mayor and City Council.  Balancing business needs with residents’ high standards and expectations, Scott seeks to maximize the effectiveness of expert and high-performing City staff.  In doing so, he believes that Ontario will preserve its standing as a leader of the region and further establish the City as the Premier Community of the Inland Empire.

Scott’s management philosophy is predicated on exceptional customer service, values-based management, and precision execution. His focus on building leadership capacity at every level has been essential to ensuring the organization’s ongoing success. Throughout his career, Scott has been engaged in the communities he serves, participating in local service clubs and community organizations. Scott also strives to stay at the forefront of local government issues. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association and has served as an adjunct instructor and lecturer at USC’s Price School of Public Policy.  Scott and his wife, Sophia, have two children, Nicolas and Tessia.

 

About Your Assistant City Manager

Darlene Sanchez was appointed as Ontario’s Assistant City Manager in September 2020. As the Chief Operating Officer, she oversees the Management Services Agency, which includes the City Manager’s Office, Communications Department, Innovation Performance & Audit Department, Broadband, Records Management Department, and other priority efforts that require organization-wide collaboration.

Driven by a commitment to establish Ontario as the Premier Community of the Inland Empire and enhance the organization as a top-tier workplace, Darlene has led numerous key initiatives. She has successfully managed high-impact interdepartmental projects and contracts throughout the City, employee engagement programs, and recognition events. Additionally, Darlene has spearheaded citywide strategic efforts to boost efficiency and innovation.  A strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, professional development, community engagement, and public safety, Darlene continues to shape Ontario’s future with vision and dedication.

Before serving the Ontario community, Darlene’s local government career includes over 24 years of experience with other notable local agencies, including Glendale, Monrovia, and Walnut, serving in leadership capacities within Community Development, City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, and Redevelopment.

Darlene is a native of the Inland Empire and grew up in Riverside, CA. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton.

She lives in unincorporated La Verne with her husband, three children, and two Labradoodles.

Office of the City Manager Contacts