San Antonio council appoints three to VIA board after interviews; swears in new trustees
November 06, 2025 | San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
City Clerk Debbie Rokositter told the council that 33 residents applied for the three openings and an ad hoc committee chaired by Councilmember McKee Rodriguez shortlisted 11 candidates. The council conducted two‑minute opening statements and interviews in public before recessing to executive session to deliberate. When the council reconvened, it approved appointments and the city clerk administered the oath of office.
The appointees are Ramon Flores, a senior vice president for strategic design and development at Port San Antonio who emphasized connections between transit and jobs; Paola Sofia Fernandez, an urban planner and community engagement specialist who had served on VIA’s Transit Community Council; and Melanie Aranda Tewill, who currently chairs VIA’s Accessible Transit Advisory Committee and cited family ties to VIA operations. Each will serve the remainder of an unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2026.
Rokositter told council the board is an 11‑member governing body that operates under the Texas Transportation Code and that members are appointed for staggered two‑year terms by the city, Bexar County and suburban mayors. The clerk’s office said it will send congratulations, administer required disclosure filings and provide municipal leadership training to the new trustees.
Council members who spoke after the swearing-in thanked all applicants and emphasized expectations that VIA prioritize service reliability, accessibility, and timely completion of planned corridors such as the Green Line. No roll-call vote breakdown was recorded in the publicly released minutes.
The council’s action follows a public interview series that included applicants with backgrounds in transit operations, planning, accessibility advocacy and finance. Several applicants said they joined the process because they view transit as a lifeline to jobs, education and essential services in San Antonio.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meetingSponsors
Proudly supported by sponsors who keep Texas articles free in 2025
