Cory brings over two decades of dedicated service to the Santa Clara community, combining military excellence with extensive City of Santa Clara law enforcement experience. His leadership spans critical roles from tactical operations to community engagement, reflecting a commitment to safety, integrity, and innovation. Cory has also been actively involved in the community through extensive volunteer work in youth sports and the arts. 

Cory completed Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in May of 2003, and then graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate from the Intelligence Analyst Course in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona (June-October 2003). Cory completed "green platoon" (assessment and selection) and joined the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), specifically assigned to the 2nd Battalion. During his time as a Night Stalker, Cory deployed five times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Cory ultimately separated from the Army at the rank of Sergeant in 2007. 

Cory will prioritize investing in the team, training, and technology required to enable Santa Clara to become the safest city it can be through the best police department serving the community. Please visit the "Vision" section of the website to learn more.

In addition, it's vital that the Chief of Police sets the agenda for the department. The voters of Santa Clara resoundingly approved the Chief of Police remaining an elected position in voting down Measure B in March 2024 with over 72% of the vote, recognizing that an elected Chief has the authority and responsibility to lead the department. 

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - History from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) - Intelligence Operations from Cochise College (with High Honors)

California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certificates:

Basic Certificate (2010)

Intermediate Certificate (2015)

Advanced Certificate (2015)

Supervisory Certificate (2019)

Management Certificate (2022)

Cory is actively engaged with the Santa Clara community outside of work. 

Since 2010, Cory has served on the Triton Museum of Art's board of trustees. For 59 years, the Triton Museum of Art has been a destination for the community, providing a venue where local artists exhibit their work alongside regional and national artists and where students of all ages learn about art and the creative process. Located across the street from the Santa Clara Civic Center, the Triton Museum of Art collects and exhibits contemporary and historical works with an emphasis on artists of the Greater Bay Area. Over 40,000 people attend the museum on-site annually through its exhibitions, education, and community programs, and over 90,000 people view the museum's satellite gallery and exhibitions annually.

Since 2017, Cory has coached baseball, basketball, and soccer in the community. Over the years, this has given Cory the direct opportunity to mentor hundreds of kids across the three sports. Cory finds great joy in helping kids develop life-long skills and character through athletics. 

Since 2007, Cory has been a Life Member in Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). The VFW is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. VFW has many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide.

At the Santa Clara Police Department, Cory has received the following awards and recognitions:

Honor Graduate - 141st Police Academy, Alameda County Sheriff's Office (2008)

Academic Achievement Award - 141st Police Academy, Alameda County Sheriff's Office (2008)

Top Physical Fitness Award - 141st Police Academy, Alameda County Sheriff's Office (2008)

Task Force Ribbon - DEA Task Force (2016)

SWAT Service Ribbon - Special Response Team (2017)

Pandemic Service Ribbon (2020)

Unit Achievement Award (2022)

Police Commendation Medal (2024)

Stadium Service Ribbon (3rd Award - 2024)

With the United States Army, Cory has received the following awards and recognitions:

Distinguished Honor Graduate - Intelligence Analyst Course (243-96B10)

160th SOAR (A) Soldier of the Year - 2005

US Army Special Operations Command Runner-Up, Soldier of the Year - 2005

Army Commendation Medal (x2)

Army Achievement Medal (x5)

Army Good Conduct Medal 

National Defense Service Medal 

Afghanistan Campaign Medal 

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Army Service Ribbon

Cory will bring a special combination of intelligence, energy, and integrity to the role of Chief of Police in Santa Clara. 

In addition, Cory is deeply rooted in and committed to the City of Santa Clara. He grew up in the community and has served it for most of his career. By taking on and excelling in challenging assignments throughout his career, he has earned the confidence and trust of the police officers who have served by his side and seen his leadership in action. 

Overall, Cory's skills, character, experience, local knowledge, and local support make Cory the right leader to serve as the next Chief of Police of Santa Clara.

There are three main ways to support Cory’s campaign right now:

Donate: You can make an online donation after clicking on the "Donate" button. Individuals may donate up to a limit of $660. Your donation will help us to spread the word about Cory and his campaign.

Endorse: You can endorse Cory by clicking on the "Endorsements" button. We are honored by the early endorsements that are coming in as we launch the campaign and will highlight some key endorsements on our website in the weeks ahead. 

Volunteer: You can click the "Volunteer" button to support the campaign in other ways. Volunteer opportunities range from hosting an event to putting a yard sign in your yard to spreading the work about Cory’s candidacy to your network. 

Yes! You can find Cory on Instagram and X.

@morganforchief