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The City of Santa Clara is pleased to announce the appointment of Aracely Azevedo as Assistant City Manager, Nico Procos as Director of Silicon Valley Power (SVP), Paulina Morales as Assistant City Manager (Temporary) and Marc Freitas as Deputy City Manager.
Aracely Azevedo, Assistant City Manager
Aracely brings over 21 years of leadership experience to this role, most recently serving as the City’s Director of Human Resources for the past five years. During this time, she has played a critical role in developing and implementing key City policies, leading labor negotiations, and streamlining Human Resources systems and processes for greater efficiency.
Before joining the City of Santa Clara as Assistant Director of Human Resources in 2019, Aracely built a distinguished 15-year career in public service with the City of San José. She began as an Executive Analyst in the Office of Employee Relations and quickly advanced through a variety of leadership roles across the City Manager’s Office, Budget Office, and Human Resources Department. Throughout her tenure, Aracely consistently drove innovation, efficiency, and collaboration in support of San José’s workforce and strategic goals.
Her first day as an Assistant City Manager will be July 7.
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Nico Procos, Director of Silicon Valley Power
A respected and seasoned professional, Nico brings over 25 years of experience in the electric utility industry with a track record of leadership and innovation. Prior to his acting role as SVP’s Director, Nico has served as the second-in-command at SVP since June 2024. His impressive background also includes serving as General Manager at Alameda Municipal Power, where he elevated technology to improve operations and customer service, achieved a 100% carbon-free portfolio, increased the financial strength of the utility, kept rate increases steady and reasonable, converted 36,000 meters to smart meters, and brought safety to the forefront of the organization.
Nico also held key roles with the Port of Oakland, the City of Palo Alto, and the California Public Utilities Commission. His deep knowledge and strategic vision position him to guide SVP through its next chapter of growth and transformation. Nico will be instrumental in enhancing SVP’s focus on internal improvements and overseeing the utility’s capital improvement program, which includes a significant expansion of the City’s power capabilities.
His first day as Director of Silicon Valley Power will be July 7.
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Paulina Morales, Temporary Assistant City Manager
Paulina is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of local government experience. Most recently, Paulina served as City Manager of West Covina from 2023 to 2025, where she made history as the first female and first Latina City Manager in the City. Her public sector career began in West Covina in the Community Development Department. Over the past two decades, she continually advanced, serving as Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Economic Development & Housing Manager, and in 2021, as Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director. Paulina brings a deep knowledge of municipal operations, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for building high-performing teams aligned with community priorities.
Her first day will be Aug. 4.
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Marc Freitas Joins Santa Clara to Oversee Implementation of Measure I
Marc comes to Santa Clara with a wealth of experience in delivering capital projects and infrastructure improvements for government agencies throughout Santa Clara County. He holds a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Public Administration from San José State University.
Marc began his public service career with the City of San José as a journey-level electrician in the Department of Transportation. He later transitioned into Facilities Management within the Convention and Arts Entertainment Department, where he managed operations for the Convention Center, Civic Center, and various theaters. His career also includes roles in the Department of Public Works for both the City of San José and Sunnyvale.
Most recently, Marc served as both a Director and Chief Bonds Officer for local school districts, where he led major infrastructure and bond-funded initiatives, including a workforce housing project currently underway that will provide 78 multi-unit residences for teachers and staff.
His first day will be Aug. 4.
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