Director
On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the BART Board of Directors appointed Melissa Hernandez to the seat representing District 5. District 5 lies in Alameda County and its boundaries currently include the cities/regions of Castro Valley, Cherryland, Dublin, Fairview, Hayward, Livermore, Pleasanton, and Sunol.
Hernandez is the first Latina to serve on the BART Board of Directors.
Previously Hernandez served as a city of Dublin councilmember for eight years and also served as the city’s mayor for four years until June 2024. She has chaired three regional transit boards: the Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), Tri Valley/San Joaquin Valley Regional Transportation Authority (Valley Link) and the Finance committee of the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
As a Mayor, Alameda County Transportation Commission member, and Chair of regional transit boards, Hernandez has championed local health, safety, environmental and economic interests, and has led efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve access to transit throughout the Tri-Valley area.
Director Hernandez is a working mom who also serves as a top Alameda County legislative aide overseeing health and human services to Tri-Valley communities.