Tina Cherry, the City of Monrovia’s Community Services Director, retired on February 27, 2026, after nearly 12 years of service. City Manager Dylan Feik has named current Deputy Director Rebecca Sandoval as the next Community Services Director.

Throughout 12 years with the City of Monrovia, Tina played a pivotal role in strengthening the Community Services Department, which includes overseeing the Monrovia Public Library, hosting over 30 city events annually, managing over 1,450 acres of the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve, and all parks and recreation activities including special events, athletics programs and much more.   

Tina’s work touched every corner of the community, from outdoor enthusiasts to local youth. Her passion for community building was central to the development of the City’s Park Master Plan and the Library Strategic Plan, both of which have guided the City’s many innovative programs and services. Some of the accomplishments during her tenure include: opening public access to more than 4.5 miles of trails in the Hillside Wilderness Preserve; establishing a Veterans Resource Center that serves thousands annually; creating an award-winning Summer Program and Opportunities for Teens, known as “SPOT”, and; implementing innovative solutions to address increasing homelessness, such as the Housing Displacement Response Program (“HDRP”) and Family Advocacy and Support Services (“FASS”) programs. Today, Recreation is known for their signature community events and programs, including parades along Myrtle Avenue, two thriving community gardens, and the beloved Monrovia Days celebration, which takes over Old Town Monrovia and draws more than 10,000 attendees each year. Under Tina’s leadership, the Public Library expanded far beyond library walls through the Monrovia Reads van, reaching more than 45,000 students and community members, while also growing digital collections and the Library of Things. Following the Bobcat Fire and subsequent storms, Tina led the restoration and enhancement of Monrovia Canyon Park. Most recently, her leadership and strong community connections were instrumental in the development of Satoru Tsuneishi Park, Monrovia’s newest park. 

“Tina’s leadership style is collaborative, energetic and team-oriented,” according to City Manager Dylan Feik. “She has forged lasting partnerships with Monrovia businesses and local organizations, broadened the department's reach and impact beyond programming, and partnered with countless non-profit organizations to create a premiere quality of life for Monrovians. Her efforts were instrumental in creating a more connected, accessible, and vibrant community where everyone, whether they live, work, or visit, can feel the welcoming environment she helped create.” 

Tina’s career in public service began 32 years ago as a Recreation Leader, and she climbed through the ranks of community services departments at the cities of Chino, Pico Rivera, La Palma, and Yorba Linda. She managed youth programs, intervention and prevention programs, special events, and literacy and health initiatives. Tina joined the City of Monrovia in March 2014 to serve as the Community Services Director. 

“I’ve been so fortunate to have a career where each day is an opportunity to make a difference through outdoor spaces, recreation, and learning,” said Tina. “From the moment I came to Monrovia, I knew this community was a special place. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the community I love, while building relationships with such an incredible team. As a fellow Monrovian, I look forward to experiencing our beautiful town from a new lens as I enter this next chapter, and will forever root for the success of the Monrovia team.” 

Rebecca Sandoval assumed the position on March 1, 2026, and now leads the Community Services Department, which brings the community together through enriching programs and opportunities. Under her leadership, residents will continue to enjoy active and passive recreation, library services, community events, and a wide variety of experiences that celebrate all that Monrovia has to offer. Joining the City of Monrovia nearly 18 years ago as a Recreation Leader, Rebecca has since advanced through roles including Recreation Specialist, Coordinator, Supervisor, Superintendent, Manager, and Deputy Director. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.