Maria Ojeda Hired As American Canyon Assistant City Manager

AMERICAN CANYON, CA — Following a nationwide recruitment, a bilingual East Bay native has been hired to serve as the city of American Canyon's first assistant city manager, according to a news release. City Manager Jason Holley announced Monday that effective Sept. 2, Maria Ojeda will join his executive team.

Ojeda was selected as a result of a comprehensive nationwide recruitment led by the Peckham and McKinney executive search firm that yielded more than 85 applicants, according to the city. Her strong career history, excellent communication skills, and passion for local government were a strong match for the needs of the city.

"The City of American Canyon attracted highly-qualified talent during the recruitment process," Holley said. "There were numerous outstanding candidates, but Ms. Ojeda offered the most comprehensive set of skills and an unparalleled passion for public service that best reflects the future needs of American Canyon."

Ojeda brings two decades of local government expertise in cities of all sizes throughout the Bay Area, including serving as deputy city manager for the city of Pleasanton and as finance firector for the Town of Yountville.

Ojeda said she is "honored to have been asked to join the team and look forward to supporting the City Manager, City Council, and staff in their service to the community of American Canyon."

"I believe American Canyon is special to the region and Napa Valley," Ojeda said. "It is a small, yet growing community, that provides opportunities to connect with residents on an individual level and to work together to implement a vision that benefits all."

Ojeda, who grew up in the East Bay, earned a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame de Namur University in nearby Belmont, and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. Ojeda is a graduate of the University of Virginia's Senior Executive Leadership Institute and is active in the International City Management Association, Local Government Hispanic Network, and Municipal Management Assistants of Northern California. Ella habla español.

"As American Canyon’s first Assistant City Manager, Maria’s bilingual fluency will provide additional capacity to help ensure community engagement with all residents," Holley said.