On May 7, the West Covina City Council appointed Paulina Morales city manager. Morales has served as acting city manager for West Covina since May 18, 2023. Her career in West Covina started in 2004 as an intern in the Community Development Department. Morales is the first female and first Latina city manager in the City’s 101-year history.
“It is an honor to have the trust and confidence of the City Council,” said Morales, “West Covina is truly an amazing city, and I will strive to continuously enhance our services, support our staff, encourage innovation and stand by the values of our community.”
Over the past two decades, Morales has worked her way up through the ranks of the City’s Community Development Department and held various key roles, including project manager, senior project manager, economic development & housing manager and was promoted to assistant city manager/community development director in 2021. Morales grew up in Palo Alto, California, and attended Cal Poly Pomona, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Urban & Regional Planning.
“We are excited to have Ms. Morales lead our talented West Covina Team. Her dedication to the City of West Covina, institutional knowledge and strong reputation make her a natural fit to serve this community,” said Mayor Brian Calderón Tabatabai.
In a 5-0 vote, the City Council enthusiastically approved an agreement with Morales that included an initial one-year term with automatic month-to-month extensions after the initial term. The agreement also provides for annual performance reviews and benefits commensurate with those provided to the City of West Covina’s Executive Management.