The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in San Jose, CA, has named Nuria I. ­Fernandez as its next general manager, effective in early December.

With more than 30 years experience in the transportation field, Fernandez currently serves as chief operating officer of the New York ­Metropolitan Transportation Authority. During her career, she was acting FTA administrator from 1999-2001, has managed operations at ­Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and managed design and construction of multi-billion-dollar rail expansion programs in ­Chicago and Washington.

“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,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez serves on the APTA Board of Directors, is one of five co-chairs of the Authorization Task Force, and is a member of the Leadership APTA, Legislative, and Public-Private Partnerships committees. She also serves on the Mineta Transportation Institute’s Board of Trustees.