Juan Pablo Herrera Named New Assistant Superintendent of Business Services
(Moorpark, California) May 29, 2024—Moorpark Unified School District is pleased to announce that Juan Pablo Herrera has been selected as the district’s new assistant superintendent of business services. He replaces Ms. Lynn David, who will retire after 30 years in education.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Herrera to MUSD,” Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said. “Ms. Lynn David has done an outstanding job overseeing business services for the past four years, and we look forward to Juan Pablo Herrera taking over the helm of fiscal management for MUSD when he begins in July.”
The Moorpark Board of Education unanimously approved Mr. Herrera’s appointment during a May 29 board meeting.
Mr. Herrera said he believes in “fostering a collaborative environment.”
“Doing so allows us to make decisions that prioritize educational outcomes and reflect input from all educational partners,” he said. “This way, teachers, staff, administrators, parents and students all contribute to MUSD success and future growth.”
Mr. Herrera brings a wealth of experience and a strong background in financial management, strategic planning and community engagement to Moorpark Unified.
He joins MUSD from Palisades Charter High School, where he has served as the chief business officer since 2020. At Palisades Charter High, Mr. Herrera was responsible for managing a $46-million budget and overseeing various operational areas including fiscal management, payroll, technology, facilities, compliance, transportation and food service.
His leadership was instrumental in reversing a $6-million deficit, achieving a positive $9.4-million net position and for implementing significant campus modernization initiatives such as the 1:1 student device program and a $30-million HVAC project.
Mr. Herrera’s prior experience includes roles as a brand manager at Nestle USA/Ferrero USA and as an officer at Bank of America, where he honed his skills in business strategy, communications and financial operations.
While working at Nestle USA, Mr. Herrera was involved in forming partnerships with schools, which allowed him to visit classrooms and interact with students. These experiences sparked a drive to “take my professional experiences and give back in a more meaningful way,” he said.
“I made the transition to education after talking to my family, many of whom are educators, and realizing that the opportunity to have an impact on my local community and students really resonated with me,” Mr. Herrera said.
A graduate of UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Chicana/o Studies, Mr. Herrera also holds an MBA from USC Marshall School of Business and several professional certifications, including a CBO Certification from USC Rossier School of Education and a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Villanova University.
Education has always been a cornerstone for Mr. Herrera and his family. Growing up in a large, close-knit family from Fillmore, Mr. Herrera and his siblings all graduated as valedictorians from Fillmore Unified School District and attended UCLA, demonstrating their shared commitment to academic excellence.
“My grandparents grew up in Mexico and had minimal education,” he said. “When they moved from Mexico to Ventura County, they worked in agriculture and my parents saw their hard work first-hand. They understood that my grandparents left a lot behind so that their family—and future generations—could have more opportunity.”
This strong educational foundation and community involvement have deeply influenced Mr. Herrera’s view on the power of education.
“I started in Spanish-speaking classes and then transitioned into English classes,” he said. “My parents were very engaged and often volunteered, or substituted, in my class. I also benefited from school resources like after school tutoring, GATE, and various other enrichment programs. That played a significant role in shaping my views on education.”
Mr. Herrera resides in Fillmore with his wife, Jacky, and their four children, who are active in their local community. He remains deeply committed to fostering educational opportunities and supporting the success of all students.
Mr. Herrera is also a member of the family band Hermanos Herrera, which has achieved significant success. Hermanos Herrera, known for their traditional Mexican music, has released multiple albums and performed on stages across the country, earning a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
“I am honored to join Moorpark Unified School District and contribute to its legacy of educational excellence,” said Mr. Herrera. “MUSD’s focus on innovation and community engagement aligns perfectly with my background and values. I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated team of educators and staff to enhance our students' learning experiences and ensure the efficient allocation of resources.”