Administration

René Bobadilla
City Manager

Phone: 323-887-1200
Fax: 323-887-1443

Mr. Bobadilla began his career in the public sector in 1989 working as a Parks and Recreation Leader in the city he was born and raised in, El Monte. In 1998, Mr. Bobadilla worked for the Los Angeles County Public Works Department. In 2009, he served as the City of El Monte's Public Works Maintenance Superintendent and was promoted to Deputy City Manager for Community Development. Mr. Bobadilla served as the Interim City Manager until his appointment to City Manager in January 2010. Mr. Bobadilla also served as the City Manager of Huntington Park from September 2012 to June 2014; the City of Pico Rivera from 2014-2018; Assistant City Manager of the City of Commerce from 2018-2019; and was appointed City Manager of of Montebello in July 2020.

For over 25 years, Mr. Bobadilla has been at the forefront of initiatives that create and support significant growth. He has a record of transforming problematic and challenging city operations in order to regain the respect of the residents served. Mr. Bobadilla has delivered bold new initiatives to strengthen core services provided to residents, project-managed new infrastructure initiatives, and instilled financial discipline that stabilized and improved municipal finances. He is recognized for his capacity to harness the enthusiasm and talents of his team to address critical issues of concern and identify appropriate resources available to achieve fiscal solvency while achieving management objectives within city administrative environments. Mr. Bobadilla’s management style is founded on the premise of exceptional customer service, coupled with performance management and engaged leadership.

Mr. Bobadilla holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Villanova University. He also holds a professional engineering license. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association and the American Society for Public Administrators. Mr. Bobadilla is an avid UCLA Bruins fan and enjoys playing golf. When not working for the residents of Montebello, Mr. Bobadilla enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Arlene Salazar
Assistant City Manager

Ms. Salazar joined the City as Assistant City Manager in 2019 becoming a member of the City’s new Administration Leadership team. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.  Prior to her employment with the City of Montebello she worked for the cities of Pico Rivera, Downey, Chino and Norwalk.  Ms. Salazar has worked in municipal government for 30 years in a variety of managerial and executive level positions in multiple municipalities. She has been awarded various certificates in specialty training, recognition for service and commendations for excellence in the profession of public service.  Ms. Salazar is a member of community service organizations including the Montebello Rotary.  She strives to balance her professional obligations with her duties as a mom and enjoys  travel adventures and outdoor activities.