Milpitas chooses police chief as acting city manager after predecessor resigns

"Police Chief Hernandez has dedicated his career to serving Milpitas with integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of community, said Mayor Carmen Montano in a statement released Wednesday His leadership experience, collaborative approach, and lifelong connection to our City make him exceptionally well suited to guide the organization during this transition period. Hernandez, who was born and raised in Milpitas, has been with the city since 1991 when he began as a volunteer for the police department at age 15 "

"While city councils frequently opt for long-time government administrators to fill city manager roles, Hernandez said he was ready to take on his new role with the same principles as his prior role: superior customer service, collaboration, community engagement and relationship building. Hernandez managed about a third of the city's employees as police chief. Even so, Hernandez acknowledged there would be a learning curve, but that he would draw on the expertise of city staff. We've got challenges ahead, but we will work collaboratively."

Jared Hernandez, a lifelong Milpitas resident and long-time city employee, is serving as acting city manager after Deanna Santana's departure following a Brown Act dispute. Hernandez began with the police department in 1991 as a volunteer at age 15 and rose through the ranks to become police chief five years ago. The mayor praised his integrity, professionalism, leadership experience, collaborative approach, and lifelong connection to the city. Hernandez managed roughly a third of city employees as police chief and said he will rely on city staff expertise while prioritizing customer service, collaboration, community engagement, and relationship building during the transition.

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