Santa Clara VTA names Chavez chair, Bruins vice chair

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) board has elected Cindy Chavez as chair for 2016, the agency announced Monday.

Previously vice chair, she succeeds Perry Woodward in the role. Chavez, who also serves as a supervisor for Santa Clara County, will help lead VTA through a number of initiatives, including planning for the second phase of its Bay Area Rapid Transit Silicon Valley Extension, agency officials said in a press release.

"I'm honored to be back in this leadership role for VTA and among my board colleagues who are committed to moving VTA forward to address mobility issues throughout Santa Clara County and the region," Chavez said. "It's going to be a pivotal year for advancements in transportation in the valley."

Additionally, VTA's board named Jeannie Bruins vice chair. She currently serves as mayor of Los Altos, Calif.

Bruins was appointed to the board this year, and initially served as an alternate member representing City Group 2, comprising the cities of Lost Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View and Palo Alto. In August, she was appointed as the city group's representative.