News

TWC Thanks FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez, and Welcomes Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool

TWC expresses its appreciation of Federal Transit Administrator (FTA) Nuria Fernandez, who retired from the FTA last week.

Like many in our industry, her personal story is a powerful one. She emigrated from Panama to pursue higher education in the U.S. and has worked in several key capacities in the private and public sectors, including leadership at Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA-NY) and Valley Transit Authority (VTA-CA). Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997, she became the first woman of color to lead FTA as the Acting Administrator. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 15th Administrator of FTA in 2021 under President Joe Biden. The administrator’s commitment to advancing the industry—particularly involving critical initiatives and innovative programs in workforce development—played a key role in establishing the Transit Workforce Center (TWC), an achievement cited in her retirement announcement. TWC is honored to be able to carry out her vision by working every day to advance our mission.

As TWC recognizes what Administrator Fernandez has accomplished, we are excited about the opportunity to continue our work with another great leader, Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, who begins her appointment as Acting Administrator on February 24, 2024, as Administrator Fernandez steps down. Like Administrator Fernandez, the Acting Administrator comes to this position from significant leadership roles in the field, along with a deep understanding of and commitment to building, sustaining, supporting, and advancing the diverse workforce transit needs now and for the future.

We are proud to be able to recognize both of these talented leaders for all they have done and all they continue to do for our industry. Thank you!