Office of City Manager

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 MPA from USC with an emphasis in 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, the City 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 as he worked to keep Glendale on a trajectory toward sound financial management, innovative and resourceful leadership, and outstanding public services.  He also was keenly focused on utilizing economic development and leveraging private investment as a means of creating place value as well as new revenue for City services.  This success was evidenced in the more than 4,100 new multi-family units that were delivered and/or being constructed since 2012; the attraction of new and exciting business tenants to downtown Brand Boulevard; and the reinvestment in both 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 to serve as City Manager for the City of Ontario.  In coming to Ontario, Scott plans to utilize his range of skills, abilities and experiences to continue the community’s forward progress toward achieving the vision and goals established by the Mayor and City Council.  Balancing business needs with residents’ high standards and expectations, Scott seeks to maximize the effectiveness of an expert and high-performing City staff.  In doing so, he believes that Ontario will preserve its standing as the leader of the Inland Empire and continue to be recognized as one of the best municipalities in the State. 

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 an essential part of 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 serves 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, and the family has four dogs. 
 



 

About Your Assistant City Manager

Darlene Sanchez serves as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Ontario, California. As the Chief Operating Officer, she oversees the Management Services Agency, which includes the Economic Development Department, Communications Department, Innovation Performance & Audit Department, Records Management Department and any priority efforts that require organization-wide collaboration.

She is a champion of fiscal responsibility, professional development, community engagement and public safety.

Darlene was appointed as Assistant City Manager in September of 2020. Since then, Darlene has managed interdepartmental projects and contracts throughout the City, including the Ontario International Airport, employee engagement and recognition events and has advanced various citywide strategy efforts to promote efficiency.

Before serving as Assistant City Manager in Ontario, her local government career includes over 20 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 University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton.

She lives in unincorporated La Verne with her husband, three children and two labradoodles - Charlie and Carlos.

 



Office of the City Manager Contacts

City Manager
Scott Ochoa

(909) 395-2010

Assistant City Manager
Darlene Sanchez

(909) 395-2269

Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Nicole Escalante

(909) 395-2392

Assistant to the City Council
Brandi Belmontes

(909) 395-2199