Newsletter

Executive Committee Appoints Jennifer Perez

Jennifer Perez, vice mayor of the City of Norwalk, was appointed to the California JPIA’s Executive Committee on January 22, 2025. Perez was appointed to fill the vacant seat of Committee Member Marshall Goodman, whose term on the La Palma City Council expired in December 2024.

“The Authority is pleased to welcome Jennifer Perez to the Executive Committee,” said CEO Alex Smith. “Her experience, dedication and exceptional work in serving the residents of her city, the county and the region is admirable. She recognizes the Executive Committee’s critical role in shaping decisions that affect all members and will approach her responsibilities with diligence and care.”

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Perez has served the City of Norwalk since 2010, starting as a planning commissioner before being elected to the city council in 2017. She has twice served as mayor and became vice mayor in 2024. A lifelong resident, she and her husband, Michael, grew up in Norwalk and raised their two children there. Community involvement runs in her family—her father was a former mayor, city councilmember, and Cerritos College trustee. Perez and her husband remain actively engaged in local initiatives.

“Whether volunteering for youth baseball, serving in our local church, or advocating for the City of Norwalk, it’s simply how I was raised,” said Perez. “I come from a family that believes in giving back to the community—it’s what we do, what we love, and who I am.”

Perez has represented Norwalk on the California Contract Cities Association for five years and is currently its president. She values the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from other agencies, working together to advocate for what is best for their communities. What she finds most rewarding, however, is hearing directly from residents about the positive impact of her work. “It’s the little things people don’t see behind the scenes that make the biggest impact,” said Perez.

When not serving her community, Perez works at TRIMEDX, a medical equipment management company, overseeing a region that spans from Alaska to Nebraska.

“In my full-time job, we create value for the hospitals in our network by investing in skilled engineers and technicians,” said Perez. “That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to the Authority—I see its impact on public agencies. The extensive training programs the Authority offers empower team members, strengthening both their member agencies and the communities they support.”

She has been a director and alternate director on the California JPIA’s Board of Directors for several years but felt compelled to do more. In her years of service, Perez has seen organizations that focus on what’s most important to them. She values the Authority’s approach to working together for the greater good of all municipalities.

“The Authority brings people together with a shared goal—mitigating risks and finding the best solutions, not just for our city, but for all members,” she said. “I’m excited to collaborate and tackle common challenges as a team.”

The California JPIA Executive Committee comprises nine members elected by the Board of Directors to provide day-to-day policy direction to the Authority’s staff. The committee meets monthly to consider policies related to the California JPIA’s many programs and services. In addition, the Executive Committee also carries out ex-officio responsibility for Claims, Budget, Bylaws, and Personnel committees. Learn more about each member on the Authority’s Executive Committee webpage.

Congratulations, Jennifer, and welcome to the Executive Committee!

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