City Officials

Mike Lee knows business. And businesses know Mike Lee.

Since 2015, Mike has been bragging to businesses about Moreno Valley like a proud grandparent pulling out a stack of wallet-sized photos of the grandkids.

When it comes to Moreno Valley there is a lot to brag about. Thanks to Mike’s efforts as our Economic Development Director, Fortune 500 and international companies have flocked to Moreno Valley, and so have thousands of jobs.

His work isn’t just putting people to work where they live. He’s helping to build the workforce of the future.

And he’s doing it with innovative partnerships between the City, our educational partners and our business community.

For more than two decades, Mike has been building those relationships, one cup of green tea at a time.

A native of Taiwan, Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Master of Public Administration.

He and his wife, Brenda, have two sons, Ryan and Alex.

A self-proclaimed news junkie, Mike often knows what is hot off the presses before the news even gets to the presses. He’s a devoted ‘80s music fan, an avid art collector, and there are rumors he likes camping on the beach, although we’ve yet to see photographic evidence.

If he does manage to go on vacation, we know he’ll be bragging about Moreno Valley to anyone standing still.

Check back for Steve's bio.

Brian has worked in municipal finance for almost 20 years and enjoys being a public servant. Prior to joining the City of Moreno Valley, Brian worked for the City of Rialto for more than 10 years and San Bernardino County Retirement Association (SBCERA) for more than six years.

Prior to becoming Acting Assistant City Manager, Brian served as the Financial Resources Division Manager for the City of Moreno Valley. In this capacity, Brian administered the City’s General Fund budget of $116.7 million and the overall budget of over $238 million.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.

Brian is passionate about embracing community and business partnerships and relationships and strives to build on existing and future innovative and educational ideas to build long-lasting relationships which will help the City evolve.

On a personal note, he and his wife Paula enjoy traveling, concerts, experimenting with food of different cultures and spending time with their family, especially the dogs and cat. An avid film and music junkie – ask Brian a question and he’s sure to answer (challenge on!). Brian also loves golf and enjoys hiking local City trails. Also, a sports fan of NASCAR, Formula 1, tennis, football and soccer, which he played and coached for many years.

They have four children, Hannah, Amanda, Sam and Haley, and two grandchildren, Brett and Kennedy.

From Private Sector Analyst, to Engineer, then to City Engineer and Assistant City Manager, Michael has had his fair share of titles – and business cards. That’s what happens when you have spent the last 24 years in the public and private sector perfecting the art of engineering. His wide-ranging expertise has helped transform the landscapes of the communities he has served.

Since 2007, Michael has served the City of Moreno Valley, transforming MoVal one mile of asphalt at a time.

Under Michael’s tenure, the roads our residents take to work and school are smoother, traffic signals have more integration, and more residents and businesses are rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to Keep Moreno Valley Beautiful.

There is more to Michael than just applied mathematics and designing and building things. He’s been a Hoya, an Aggie and a Mustang. Michael holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Methodist University, a Master’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Public Policy Degree from Georgetown University.

As an Eagle Scout and current Assistant Scoutmaster, he is an avid outdoorsman with a profound sense of adventure. When he’s not in the office engineering the future of Moreno Valley, Michael can be found camping with his wife and two sons. Michael has been ready to assume the role as the City’s Assistant City Manager since the day he arrived in Moreno Valley.

“Be Prepared” isn’t just the Boy Scout’s Motto, it’s also Michael’s.

Jane Halstead is no stranger to Moreno Valley.

In fact, she loves Moreno Valley so much, she’s on her second tour of duty.

Jane has over three decades of City government experience, one of which was spent as Moreno Valley’s City Clerk.

She has brought unrivaled expertise to Cities across California, from Murrieta to Bell Gardens, as well as the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and the Duncan Unified School District in Arizona.

It’s a good thing that Jane maintains MoVal’s records, because she has maintained a record of keeping cities on track and overseeing free and fair elections across Southern California.

Jane has dedicated her life to helping communities navigate City systems to get the best out of their local government.

Her servant’s heart extends beyond the City Clerk’s Office as she strives to inspire her staff to reach their goals. Jane loves making homemade soaps for her friends, family, and co-workers.

Jane lives with her husband and has two grown daughters. Her greatest joy in life is spending time with her four grandchildren.

She’s also a proud Bulldog, having achieved her bachelor’s degree in business management and her master’s degree in management at the University of Redlands.

When you see Jane Halstead around town, be sure to say welcome back friend.

Check back for Steve's bio.

Dr. Robert Cardenas is a people person. Literally.

He has been an agent for positive change in every organization he has served. His accomplishments and accolades throughout his professional journey are proof of his visionary leadership.

It started with his education. Cardenas attended the University of La Verne, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in business administration, a master’s in public administration, and a doctorate degree in public administration. He also received a certification in construction management from the University of California, Riverside.

His passion for people took flight with his first job, working as a counselor for neglected and abandoned children for the County of Orange.

After 12 years with the County of Orange, Dr. Cardenas served as a contracts administrator for the City of Fontana.

Cardenas spent another dozen years as the Fiscal Services Manager for the city of Temecula, performing duties related to risk management, contract administration, emergency management,  strategic budgeting, and Interim Human Resources Director.

Dr. Cardenas then moved on to the City of Menifee, where he started as a Risk Manager and was quickly promoted to Deputy Human Resources Director.

As a one-time resident of Moreno Valley, Cardenas is honored to lead the City’s recruiting efforts to build and maintain a healthy, supportive working environment for all of our employees.

Dr. Cardenas builds people-first programs, negotiates groundbreaking contracts, and operates fiscally responsible departments.

He’s clearly a man on a mission with passion and vision.

Sean Kelleher has big plans for Moreno Valley! With his experience, passion, and work ethic, he’s the perfect Community Development Director.

Sean learned the value of hard work early on in life from his parents. He earned his Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. 

His education laid the foundation for a career in city planning. 

Sean had previously served in the cities of Highland, Redlands, and Riverside, where he has worked on various transformative programs and projects.

In 2019, Sean made the move to Moreno Valley as Senior Planner, quickly moving up the ranks to become the Director of Community Development. 

A member of the American Planners Association, Sean’s affinity for planning extends beyond the walls of City Hall.

Outside work, Sean enjoys shooting hoops with his three kids, playing with his two dogs, and exploring Wine Country with his wife. 

Sean Kelleher is known for developing great communities everywhere, and he does it by treating everybody with respect and care.

Check back.

Looking for Launa Jimenez’s office? You’ll find it at the corner of Infrastructure and Teamwork.

Launa embodies the true spirit of collaboration. Throughout her impressive professional career, she has built a longstanding legacy of public service, dependability, and trust.

With an undergraduate degree in Public Administration from California State University – San Bernadino, Launa quickly found her way into the world of public service.

She started working in local government in 2001 as an Administrative Aide for the City of Fontana and also served two years as a Community Policing Technician.

Four years later, she brought her skills and talents to the City of Moreno Valley and has worked in various roles of increasing responsibility.

While in Public Works, Launa managed the financial piece of the capital improvement projects for the Capital Projects and Transportation Divisions, working closely with City staff, consultants, and contractors.

After a dozen years as a Management Analyst, she advanced to Senior Management Analyst, where she served for five years and was promoted yet again to the role of Financial Resources Division Manager.

Two years later, in October of 2023, she humbly accepted the role of Chief Financial Officer for the City.

Launa Jimenez believes local government is the backbone of a community, and every department has a vital role in keeping the City moving forward for residents, developers, and community stakeholders.

Launa is a family person, through and through. In between her son’s baseball games and her daughter’s volleyball matches, you can also find her and her husband of 16 years kicking back with friends and family or rocking out to live music.

Her life is busy, but it’s beautifully blessed and balanced. And her motto?
“Always do the right thing, even if no one is watching.”

Jesse Park has over twenty years in the California fire service. He went to High School in the San Diego area and then moved to northern California for community college. It was in Mt. Shasta that he signed up with the US Forest Service as a seasonal firefighter working in the Shasta-Trinity and Plumas National Forests.

Chief Park continued with college and the forest service, attending Butte Community College in the Chico area, earning an associate degree in fire science technology, and attending their college Fire Academy for his state firefighter I / EMT and paramedic certifications.

In 2000, he started with CALFIRE, working for the Butte Ranger Unit in Paradise, CA. He promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer and worked in the Amador-Eldorado Unit near Sacramento for a summer before being offered a position in Riverside County as a firefighter-paramedic.

Chief Park has been assigned to many locations throughout Riverside County.  His experience and training led to promotions; first Engineer, then Captain, and most recently Battalion Chief. He continued with his education, attending numerous fire department classes, but also completing a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership, and a Master of Science in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management. With additional Master’s Certificates in the Fire Service, Homeland Security, and Emergency Manager.

Chief Park is active in the fire department and heads up policy development and training curriculum for Mass Casualty Incident Management and Firefighter Rehabilitation. He is the Riverside Ranger Unit’s NFPA FIREWISE Community liaison, and a lead in the county’s Firefighter Recruitment Task Force.

Chief Park has been married to Kimberly Park for the last 16 years. They live locally and have two children in elementary school. Chief Park is excited to continue the incredible progress of Moreno Valley, providing outstanding public service, and fulfilling the mission to the city, county, and state as well.

Jeremy is passionate about public service and has worked in the Parks and Community Services field for nearly 30 years!  He is a Washington State native but just prior to joining the City of Moreno Valley, he lived and worked for seven years on the gulf coast (Houston metro area).

Jeremy started his career in youth programming but has since gained valuable experience in all aspects of Parks & Community Services Management.  In addition to his recreation programming background, he has reorganized three different agencies, developed 3 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plans, developed and managed a number of facilities including recreation centers, golf courses, parks, pools, civic centers, libraries, sport complexes and even an ice arena.

He has been fortunate enough to receive several professional awards including the Washington Recreation and Park Association Citation of Merit and a National Recreation and Parks Association Professional Fellowship.

He attended Eastern Washington University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Parks & Recreation Management.  He is also a graduate of the NRPA Directors School and the NRPA Marketing and Revenue Management School.  He is a Certified Parks & Recreation Executive, Aquatic Facility Operator, Playground Safety Inspector and a Athletic Director.

In his spare time, Jeremy enjoys traveling, doing home improvement projects and watching television and movies (the scarier the better).  He is a big college and professional football fan and enjoys rooting on his Seattle Seahawks and Washington Huskies!

Jeremy has a passion for developing staff and enjoys serving the community and helping make Moreno Valley an even better place to live work and play!

Sarah Mack serves as Moreno Valley’s Police Chief and holds the rank of Captain with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. She is a Moreno Valley native with deep roots in the community. After her family moved to Moreno Valley in 1991, Chief Mack grew up in the city, attend schools within the MVUSD school district, and worked at local businesses. With family still living in the community, she has a personal stake in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.

Chief Sarah Mack began her career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 2001 as a Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Southwest Detention Center. Over the years, she has held numerous roles, including working Patrol Operations, Special Enforcement Teams, and serving as a Field Training Officer. In 2010, she was promoted to Sheriff’s Corporal within the Perris Station.

In 2012, Chief Mack was promoted to Sheriff’s Investigator, overseeing the Department’s Career Investigator Program at the Ben Clark Training Center. She later transferred to the Southwest Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau, where she investigated various crimes, including theft, robbery, and sexual assault. That same year, she was promoted to Sheriff’s Sergeant, supervising the training program at the Southwest Detention Center.

In 2016, as a Sergeant, Chief Mack was transferred to the Cabazon Sheriff’s Station for Patrol Operations and then served as an Academy Coordinator at the Ben Clark Training Center, supervising the Sheriff’s Modular Academy and Reserve Academy. By 2019, she was back in Patrol Operations at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, and in 2020, she was promoted to Lieutenant within the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, managing patrol staff and daily operations, and fostering positive community relationships.

In 2022, as a Lieutenant, Chief Mack was assigned to the Department’s Major Crimes Bureau, managing the Sheriff’s Forensics Unit, Crime Analyst Unit, Force Investigation Detail, and High-Tech Crimes team. In 2024, Sheriff Bianco promoted Police Chief Mack to her current rank of Captain and assigned to the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station, proudly serving as Chief of Police.

Chief Mack holds a degree in Administration of Justice, a degree in Psychology from Chapman University, and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute. She resides in the Temecula area with her husband, who is an RSO Lieutenant, and their three children.

Public service is in Public Works Director Melissa Walker’s DNA. 

She is following in the footsteps of her father, a longtime civil engineer. He instilled in Melissa a sense of duty to better the community around her.  

In her role, Melissa keeps Moreno Valley residents moving. She ensures City streets are maintained, streetlights shine brightly, and public infrastructure holds strong.  

She began her public service journey by achieving a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. From there, she returned to the Inland Empire, completing her Master’s in Public Administration at California State University, San Bernardino.  

As she progressed in the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works, she held positions in flood control and transportation, and proudly protected San Bernardino County from dangerous storms and severe traffic.  

Melissa was the first woman to be Deputy Director of Operations for San Bernardino County, a testament to her hard work and dedication to the community. 

Melissa joined the City of Moreno Valley in 2021 as the Engineering Division Manager, and immediately made an impression on the City. It wasn’t long before she was named Public Works Director in 2022, a role in which she thrives. 

There’s more to Melissa than roads and streetlights. She enjoys painting on canvas, listening to live music, and spending quality time with her sons Nathan and Connor.  

Melissa Walker’s leadership philosophy is simple: inspire people to achieve extraordinary things by bringing out the greatness that lives within them.  

Melissa is one of the extraordinary people that makes Moreno Valley soar!