SCVTA names new GM

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) Board of Directors has appointed Nuria Fernandez to general manager, effective early December 2013.

Fernandez has had an extensive career in the public transportation industry, most recently serving as the chief operating officer for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) where she is responsible for the overall security of the MTA system, development of its capital and environmental sustainability programs, federal and state government affairs and management oversight of the five operating agencies and its capital construction.

“When General Manager Michael Burns announced his retirement late last year, we knew we were going to have a significant challenge to find his successor,” said Joe Pirzynski, SCVTA board chair. “The primary concern in our search was to find a candidate possessing the qualities that would continue the forward progress that SCVTA experienced in the eight-plus years Michael dedicated to the organization. We have concluded our search and are very pleased with our selection of Nuria Fernandez. She is an individual who possesses the personal and professional characteristics that we know will move SCVTA forward. We are excited to have Nuria take this leadership position.”

Fernandez has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation field and a professional career that includes, planning, design and construction of mass transit systems, airport operations and policy development of federal transportation programs.

“I am excited about this new opportunity to lead an organization that is on track to change the public transportation landscape in Silicon Valley forever and my experience working in the industry, both public and private, has positioned me for the challenges that come with this great responsibility,” stated Fernandez.