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Release Date: Feb. 29, 2024
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

METRO Welcomes Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca to Authority’s Board of Directors

Today city of Houston appointee Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock was sworn in as METRO’s Board Chair. She is the first Hispanic woman to serve in this role.

Brock brings a wealth of energy sector experience, recently being promoted to vice president of Utility Infrastructure Planning for CenterPoint Energy. Her extensive background also includes serving as a governmental affairs strategist for Reliant Energy, Texas Southern University, and the University of Houston.

"I want to say thank you to everyone for all the support... and I look forward to working with all of the Board Members," said Brock. "Safety, equity, convenient transportation, accessibility, and bus shelters - these words truly resonate with me."

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Brock founded Evolve Houston, a local non-profit organization that promotes cleaner air quality through the adoption and promotion of electric vehicles. She is also an active member of various boards, including the Houston First Corporation and the Greater Houston Area Women's Chamber, where she previously served as board chair.

Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, who has been sworn in as METRO’s Board Chair, is the first Hispanic woman to serve in the role. She brings a wealth of energy sector experience recently being promoted to vice president of Utility Infrastructure Planning for CenterPoint Energy.

Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca, a former bilingual early childhood teacher and HISD trustee, also joined METRO's Board of Directors. Vilaseca's appointment was confirmed by the Harris County Commissioner's Court this week.

"Education and transportation go hand in hand in terms of providing economic mobility for our community," said Vilaseca. "I'm honored to be able to serve to make a difference."

As a community advocate, Vilaseca brings extensive experience in public policy and large-scale infrastructure projects to the role. Her background as a former HISD trustee and educator also provide a unique perspective on the transportation needs of Houston's diverse communities.

Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca, a former bilingual early childhood teacher and HISD trustee, also joined METRO's Board of Directors. Vilaseca's appointment was confirmed by the Harris County Commissioner's Court earlier this week.

The METRO Board of Directors also appointed Deputy CEO Thomas Jasien as interim president & CEO. You can access his bio here. 

Former Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran was also recognized for his exceptional service over the last eight years to the transit authority and the region. METRO's Board of Directors presented Ramabhadran with a proclamation honoring his contributions to the organization during his tenure.

METRO's Board of Directors presented former Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran with a proclamation honoring his contributions to the organization during his tenure.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail, which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT Express Lanes, curb2curb microtransit service and METRO Star Vanpool. In 2020, the Authority introduced the METRORapid Silver Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit service. Bike & Ride programs and road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the Houston region. Focused on investing in the region’s future mobility needs, the Authority developed the METRONext Moving Forward Plan. METRO is also the first transit provider in the region to pilot autonomous vehicle shuttle technology. Learn more about METRO services at RideMETRO.org, where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.