Navarro was selected after a comprehensive search and competitive process, with input from two panel interviews with community leaders, law enforcement, and city management professionals, as well as an internal staff panel, and one-on-one interviews with Piombo, who said that Navarro stood out as a dedicated and enthusiastic law enforcement leader with 30 years of progressively responsible public safety experience, including 26 years of supervisory, management, and leadership responsibilities.
Chief Navarro most recently served as the Sheriff’s Captain with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, where he commanded patrol, investigations, special operations units, and managed the fiscal division, dispatch center, records division, coroner’s unit and emergency response.
Announcing the appointment, City Manager Piombo commended Navarro for his qualifications and many years of leadership.
“Chief Navarro brings exceptional expertise to Mill Valley,” City Manager Piombo said. “In addition to strong experience in strategic planning, budgeting, labor relations, employee development, and emergency services, he has developed positive relationships in Southern Marin and brings a deep background in 21st Century Policing and community engagement.”
Navarro’s hiring comes at a critical time for the City of Mill Valley, which is in the midst of its ongoing work with its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force, which unveiled its full report and recommendations in early December in the form of a 93-page, 28-recommendation, multiple ”wow”-inducing document that spanned affordable housing, cultural and recreational engagement, economic opportunity and education. Policing in Mill Valley was the focus of 13 of the 28 recommendations.
Prior to his appointment in Mill Valley, Chief Navarro has had a long record of public service. After serving in the United States Army as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and Army Reserves, Navarro joined the Marin County Sheriff’s Office in 1990 as a Deputy Sheriff, where he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Sheriff’s Captain for the past 12 years.
“I thank the selection committees and City Manager Piombo for this opportunity to serve in Mill Valley,” Chief Navarro said. “I look forward to developing partnerships with residents, business organizations, and civic groups, to learn more about the needs and concerns of community members. I am also interested in furthering the conversation about how local government can address racial inequities and create more opportunities for positive connections between law enforcement and community members.”
Navarro holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia Southern University, with Criminal Justice Administration Honors, summa cum laude. He is a graduate from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the California Command College, and West Point Leadership Academy. He holds a Management Certificate from the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training (POST).
Chief Navarro will direct divisions within the Police Department which include patrol, traffic, and crime prevention. He will oversee the operations of 22 sworn positions, including two lieutenants, four patrol sergeants, a detective sergeant, four corporals, eight patrol officers, a school resource officer, and a motorcycle officer. Professional staff include two parking enforcement officers, one community service officer, one administrative assistant, and two records specialists.
Chief Navarro has been married to his wife Jennifer for the past 29 years. They have two grown children and reside in Sonoma County.