Former Administrator

Former Administrator Nuria Fernandez led FTA as the nation's top transit official between 2021 and 2024.

Ms. Fernandez came to the role with 35 years of experience in the transportation industry. She joined FTA after serving as General Manager and CEO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, where she was responsible for 2,100 employees and oversaw projects, programs and transit services that provide mobility solutions for the more than two million people who live and work in the Silicon Valley.

Before that, she worked for several of the nation’s largest transit agencies, including New York MTA, CTA in Chicago and WMATA in Washington, D.C.

Born and raised in Panama City, Panama, Ms. Fernandez is a lifelong user of transit, and her commitment to public transportation runs deep. 

Ms. Fernandez was succeeded by Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool in February 2024.