Stockton has hired Ricardo Noguera to lead the city’s Economic Development Department, according to a press release Wednesday.
Noguera, formerly the economic development manager for the city of Brentwood, is replacing Tina McCarty as Stockton’s economic development director, the release stated.
“Ricardo’s experience, vision, and track record of delivering results make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” City Manager Johnny Ford said in the release.
In addition to formerly serving in Brentwood, Noguera has also worked in the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Florida, among other locations, officials stated.
McCarty is starting a new role as Stockton’s housing and homeless initiatives director, she told Stocktonia in an email.
“As always, I remain committed to the (City) of Stockton and the betterment of the City,” McCarty said.
McCarty has worked for the city of Stockton for more than 10 years, according to her LinkedIn, serving in several positions, including managing director of events and parking.
She took over as leader of the economic department following Stockton’s longtime former EDD Director Carrie Wright’s departure roughly a year ago.
Since then, McCarty has led the Economic Development Department amid challenges and scrutiny, including an investigation into the city’s financial support for a 2025 live performance of the comedy show Wild ‘N’ Out in Stockton.
Vice Mayor Jason Lee previously performed on the show, and he and Councilmember Michele Padilla appeared onstage at the Stockton event.
The investigation ultimately found Lee hadn’t profited from the event, according to a report, but that his votes on whether to investigate his involvement in the show fell in a legal gray zone.
Wednesday’s press release contained no information about Noguera’s start date or compensation.
The city noted that he holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College, part of the City University of New York.
“I look forward to bringing my energy, passion, and creativity to the City of Stockton and helping to elevate and promote private investments and jobs to this city,” Noguera stated in the city’s release.