Director
Melissa Hernandez was elected to the BART Board of Directors in November 2024, representing District 5. Prior to the 2024 election, she was appointed by the BART Board on Thursday, May 23, 2024, to the seat representing District 5 to fill a vacancy for the remaining term.
District 5 is in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and includes a portion of the City of Hayward ranging from the Castro Valley BART station in the North to the Hayward station in the South. It also includes the City of Pleasanton expect for a portion near Kilkare Woods, the City of Livermore, the City of Dublin, the Southeastern part of San Ramon, and rural areas of east Alameda County.
District 5 BART stations include: Castro Valley, Dublin/Pleasanton, Hayward (shared with District 4), and West Dublin/Pleasanton.
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.