Ray Navarro

Police Chief, City of Santa Rosa

In August 2019, Navarro was selected from a nationwide search and an extensive recruitment to become the first Latino Police Chief for the City of Santa Rosa.
Navarro's career in law enforcement includes 28 years of dedicated service to the Santa Rosa community. Prior to joining the Santa Rosa Police Department, he served with the U.S. Navy.
In his many years of service, Navarro has led significant initiatives in both Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, including the development of Santa Rosa's outreach and enforcement program for addressing homeless camps and implementation of an anti-gang program in schools throughout the North Bay.
Navarro has gone on to implement a Gang Resistance Education and Training Program at several school districts in Santa Rosa and has extensive experience working on complex social issues, including gang violence, homelessness and youth violence.
He also works with local agencies and nonprofits, such as the Sonoma County Continuum of Care, the Homeless Collective, Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council and CHOPs Teen Club. He also mentors men at the Redwood Gospel New Life Program.

Notable CSU Alumni in public service