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Ray Marquez Joins California JPIA Executive Committee

Ray Marquez, vice mayor for the City of Chino Hills, was appointed to the California JPIA’s Executive Committee on May 27, 2026. Marquez was appointed to fill the vacant seat of Executive Committee Member Steve Croft, whose term on the Lakewood City Council expired in June.

“Ray understands the challenges public agencies face because he’s worked through them firsthand,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “His practical perspective and dedication to collaboration will serve our membership well.”

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Marquez brings extensive experience in local government to the Executive Committee. His civic engagement began in 1984 when he served on the Chino Hills Incorporation Committee, helping to establish Chino Hills as a city. He was elected to the Chino Hills City Council in 2013 and has since been re-elected three times, serving as mayor in 2017 and 2022. His public service spans more than three decades and includes roles on the city’s Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Chino Valley Independent Fire District Board.

Beyond his elected service, Marquez served 28 years with the City of Santa Fe Springs Fire Department, retiring in 2009. He is also actively involved in numerous community organizations, serving on local and regional boards and volunteering with youth sports, public safety, and charitable programs throughout Chino Hills. “I’m here for my community 24/7,” said Marquez, who has responded to constituents while on vacation. “It’s important to be responsive. My goal is to make things better.”

When working with these various groups, he draws on lessons he learned early in his career. “As president of the firefighters’ union, I learned that trust could turn conflict into collaboration,” said Marquez. “By building strong relationships with city leaders, we were able to move past our differences and accomplish remarkable things together.”

As a member of the California JPIA, Marquez has seen firsthand the value the Authority provides through training opportunities and the collaborative network of public agencies.

“From the time I was first elected, I heard great things about the California JPIA,” said Marquez. “Through the Educational Forum, I saw the value the Authority brings to its members and knew I wanted to be involved.”

Marquez was motivated to join the Executive Committee because of the opportunity to help guide the Authority’s future and support member agencies throughout California.

“I’m a firm believer in listening first and building partnerships,” said Marquez. “If member agencies have questions or challenges, I want to help connect them with the information, resources, and people who can help them find solutions.”

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 the Claims, Budget, Bylaws, and Personnel committees. Learn more about each member on the Authority’s Executive Committee webpage.

When he’s not serving his community, Marquez enjoys spending time with family, including his wife, three sons, and five grandchildren.

Congratulations, Ray, and welcome to the Executive Committee!

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