Bishop Cotta, of Portuguese descent, was raised in Merced County, California. In 1987, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Fresno. Prior to his episcopal roles, he served the Diocese of Fresno as Vicar General, Moderator for the Curia, Vicar for Clergy, Director of Continuing Education of the Clergy, Supervisor of the Safe Environment Program, and Director of the Propagation of the Faith. In 2014, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento and served in this capacity until 2018, when he became the Bishop of Stockton, CA.