The City of San Jacinto is pleased to announce a leadership transition designed to strengthen both municipal operations and the continued growth of San Jacinto Power.
Following approval by the City Council on June 2, 2026, Rob Johnson will transition from his role as City Manager to serve as Executive Director of San Jacinto Power. In this new position, Johnson will focus on expanding the utility’s mission, advancing energy innovation, strengthening regional partnerships, and delivering long-term value to San Jacinto residents and businesses.
Since being appointed City Manager in February 2017, Johnson has led significant initiatives that enhanced city services, improved infrastructure, expanded community engagement, strengthened financial reserves, and supported economic development throughout the city. He also played a key role in the launch and growth of San Jacinto Power, helping provide local energy solutions and customer savings. Mayor Crystal Ruiz expressed appreciation for Johnson’s leadership and enthusiasm for the transition. “Rob Johnson’s vision and commitment have helped transform San Jacinto and position our community for continued success. His leadership of San Jacinto Power will allow him to focus on expanding innovative energy programs and creating new opportunities for our residents and businesses.”
To ensure continuity of operations, Travis Randel, Deputy City Manager of Development Services, has been appointed Interim City Manager.
Randel brings more than 20 years of public sector experience in municipal leadership, community development, strategic planning, economic development, and infrastructure delivery. Prior to joining the City of San Jacinto in 2018 as Community Development Director, he spent more than twelve years with the City of Riverside, advancing through the ranks from Planning Technician to Principal Planner. Since joining San Jacinto as Community Development Director in 2018, Randel has helped lead many of the City’s most significant planning, policy, and economic development initiatives, including the award-winning Trails Master Plan, Art in Public Places Program, and Envision San Jacinto General Plan 2040. He also oversaw preparation of the City’s state-certified Housing Element and a comprehensive modernization of the Development Code, helping position San Jacinto for continued growth, investment, and community enhancement.
In 2021, Randel was promoted to Deputy City Manager as part of a strategic organizational restructuring that expanded his responsibilities to include oversight of Development Services, Public Utilities, Streets, Parks, and Stormwater operations. In that role, he has helped guide major infrastructure and utility investments, including construction of the new Bath Water Treatment Plant, development of the Grand Well Replacement Project and Grand Water Treatment Plant currently under construction, implementation of roadway improvement projects such as the Esplanade Widening Project and Citywide Slurry and Crack Seal Program, and modernization of public works operations through strategic equipment and fleet investments. Together, these initiatives represent significant investments in water reliability, roadway improvements, operational efficiency, and public infrastructure that support the City’s continued growth and long-term economic vitality.
A strong advocate for customer-focused government, Randel has championed efforts to streamline development processes, improve organizational efficiency, enhance customer service, and support economic development opportunities that contribute to the City’s vision of becoming a premier live, work, and play community.
“Travis has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to our community,” said Mayor Ruiz. “The City Council is confident in his ability to lead the organization during this transition and continue advancing the priorities of our residents.”
Randel expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the interim role. “It is an honor to serve as Interim City Manager and continue working alongside our dedicated staff, City Council, residents, and business community. San Jacinto is experiencing tremendous momentum, and I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established over the past several years.”
The transition reflects the City’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence while expanding opportunities for innovation, infrastructure investment, economic development, and reliable energy services.