Moorpark City Manager PJ Gagajena has announced the appointment of Jonathan Royas as Assistant City Manager, effective Monday, October 6, 2025.
Royas currently serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Santa Paula and is the President of the Municipal Management Association of Southern California (MMASC). Prior to entering public service, he spent 16 years in the private sector with Fortune 500 companies, developing expertise in operations, process improvement, financial analysis, and talent development. His career in local government has focused on communications and public information, legislative and intergovernmental affairs, economic development, grants, project management, and employee engagement.
The City engaged executive search firm Peckham & McKenney to conduct a nationwide recruitment process. The position attracted 132 applicants from 15 states and abroad. Following multiple rounds of evaluation and extensive vetting through this highly competitive process, Royas emerged as the top candidate.
“Jonathan brings a deep passion for public service and the city management profession,” said City Manager PJ Gagajena. “He embodies our culture of customer service and engagement, has a business friendly and economic development mindset, and has strong leadership and communication skills. I am confident he will provide significant value to both the organization and the Moorpark community.”
During his tenure in Santa Paula, Royas led the implementation of Measure R, directed the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and served as the City’s primary grant writer, securing over $6 million in federal, state, and regional awards. He also guided multiple City Council strategic plans, oversaw the renewal and expansion of the downtown Property Business Improvement District, and launched innovative community programs such as the Future Leaders Academy and a bilingual citywide newsletter. These initiatives contributed to Santa Paula earning its first League of California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Public Trust and Community Involvement.
“I’m honored to join the City of Moorpark and to work with a City Manager and executive team I’ve long respected,” said Royas. “Moorpark’s commitment to thoughtful innovation, partnership, and family-centered service aligns with my approach, and I look forward to helping build on the great work already underway. A small phrase I live every day is, ‘How are we making a difference?’ which will guide me in serving Moorpark’s residents and staff.”
Royas holds a Juris Doctor from the Southern California Institute of Law and a B.A. in Government from Claremont McKenna College. He has also completed professional certificates in Advanced Public Engagement and Municipal Financial Management. He is active in statewide and national professional organizations, including the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Cal-ICMA, the Institute for Local Government, and the League of California Cities.