The Interagency Transportation Equity Advisory Committee elected Martha Armas Kelly as committee chair and Anna Gonzalez as vice chair during a roll-call election at its March 12, 2025 business meeting in Sacramento and online.

The vote followed nominations and brief statements from candidates. Martha Armas Kelly, a returning EAC member who identified herself as an environmental justice advocate with Catholic Charities, said she would advance a “shared leadership” approach and asked members for their votes. Anna Gonzalez, who introduced herself as executive director of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, said she would bring experience in environmental justice and community organizing to the vice chair role.

The committee began the business session by approving minutes for the committee’s Dec. 4, 2024 meeting after a motion from Michelle Roussey and a second from Peggy Martinez. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote; the majority voted aye and one member, Howard Wong, recorded an abstention.

The election used a roll-call format. Members had earlier submitted nominations and three candidates spoke: Carrie Akimi Hernandez (self‑nominated for chair or vice chair), Martha Armas Kelly (nominated for chair) and Anna Gonzalez (nominated for vice chair). After members spoke, the clerk called each member by name and recorded votes. The clerk announced that Martha Armas Kelly had received a majority of votes for chair and Anna Gonzalez had received a majority for vice chair.

Votes at a glance
- Approval of meeting minutes (Dec. 4, 2024): Motion to approve made by Michelle Roussey, seconded by Peggy Martinez; roll-call (see provenance). Outcome: approved; recorded abstention: Howard Wong.
- Election of committee chair: Martha Armas Kelly elected by roll-call. Reported roll-call tallies from the record: Martha Armas Kelly — 13 votes; Carrie Akimi Hernandez — 1 vote; recorded outcome: elected.
- Election of committee vice chair: Anna Gonzalez elected by roll-call. Reported tallies from the record: Anna Gonzalez — 11 votes; Carrie Akimi Hernandez — 2 votes; recorded outcome: elected.

Members and staff who spoke during the nominations and votes included committee clerk Justin Hall and staff support from the California Transportation Commission. After the vote, chair Martha Armas Kelly thanked members and invited continued participation in subcommittees and shared leadership opportunities.

The committee recessed and scheduled follow-up business and agenda items for upcoming meetings.

Ending
The committee closed the elections segment by confirming that new leadership will support formation and staffing of subcommittees and continued work led by staff and volunteer subject-matter experts. The committee proceeded to discuss ongoing committee organization and advisory opportunities with state agencies.