Leading with Commitment

Robert Cortez serves as the Deputy Chief of Administration and Support Bureau which encompasses various Departments such as Business Services, Human Resources, Community Risk Reduction, Information Technology, and Logistics, in support of OCFA operations. Chief Cortez provides high level support to the Fire Chief in the day-to-day administration of the OCFA, inclusive of liaising with the OCFA Board of Directors, agenda management, and legislative affairs.

Chief Cortez began his career with the Orange County Fire Authority in January 2019 as the Assistant Chief of Business Services where he oversaw the Business Services Department, which includes budget, finance, procurement, Clerk of the Authority, and legislative affairs. Key achievements in his former role include implementation of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) large helitanker program and the Fire Integrated Real-time Intelligence System (FIRIS) fixed-wing program. Chief Cortez was also instrumental in the acquisition of OCFA’s FIREHAWKS, implementation of OCFA’s strategic plan via a variety of service level assessments, and the updating of OCFA’s procurement ordinance.

Prior to joining OCFA, Chief Cortez worked for the City of Santa Ana for over 19 years where he gained diverse municipal government experience with roles in budget and finance, addressing homelessness, strategic planning, economic development, affordable housing and a variety of other disciplines. During his tenure at Santa Ana, he held multiple support positions, followed by progressions through the City's Budget and Research Office, Interim Administrative Services Manager, Assistant Director of Finance, Special Assistant to the City Manager, and Deputy City Manager. Chief Cortez was an active participant, working closely with the OCFA through the City's transition of the Santa Ana Fire Department to OCFA in 2012.

Chief Cortez holds both a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.