Aarón (Aaron) Zavala

Aarón (Aaron) Zavala, MPA, MUP, with his extensive background in public administration and urban planning, currently serves as the Senior Management Analyst in the Office of the City Manager for the City of Petaluma, CA.

Aarón’s professional journey includes roles such as a Graduate Intern for the County of Fresno, CA; Management Analyst in the Public Works Department for the City of Mesquite, TX; Administrative Analyst in the Office of the City Manager for the City of San Bernardino, CA; and Senior Management Analyst in the Public Works & Utilities Department for the City of Petaluma. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Sonoma State University, a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Fresno, and an Executive Master of Urban Planning Degree from the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. Aarón has also completed the Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford in July 2023. Additionally, Aarón has earned a Professional Certificate in Local Government Management from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and a Professional Certificate in Advanced Public Engagement from the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at Pepperdine University.

Aarón’s commitment to professional development and community service is reflected in his active involvement in various organizations. He recently completed a fellowship with the Leadership Institute on Race, Equity, and Inclusion, a partnership between ICMA, the Kettering Foundation, and the National Civic League, in Fall 2023. Aarón serves on the Program Committee for Los Cien and was elected to serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors of the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN) from November 2023 to November 2025. His engagement with the Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC) is significant, serving on the Board of Directors since 2021 and poised to assume the role of Membership Director on the Executive Board in 2024.

A Sonoma County native and Cardinal Newman High School alumnus, Aarón cherishes his community ties. He enjoys quality time with his wife Christy, son Joaquín, and dogs Barney and Oscar. Committed to public service, Aarón is dedicated to enhancing the City of Petaluma as a community of choice. His personal interests include hiking, traveling, and supporting local sports teams.