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August 20, 2026

NVTA Executive Director Danielle Schmitz Appointed to California Transit Advisory Committee

Danielle Schmitz, executive director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority.
Danielle Schmitz is Executive Director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority.

Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) Executive Director Danielle Schmitz has been appointed to the inaugural California Transit Advisory Committee (CALTAC), a new statewide committee established by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

Created in 2026, CALTAC brings together 20 transit professionals, advocates, regional representatives and transportation experts from across California to provide strategic input and technical guidance on Caltrans’ transit policies and programs. The committee will help inform implementation of Caltrans District Transit Plans and other statewide transit initiatives, with a focus on improving transit infrastructure, supporting priority transit corridors on the State Highway System and strengthening connections between transit service areas.

Schmitz joins representatives from agencies and organizations including Sacramento Regional Transit, AC Transit, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Santa Cruz METRO, Los Angeles Metro, Southern California Association of Governments, Riverside County Transportation Commission and UC Davis, as well as transit advocates and community representatives.

Schmitz was selected as NVTA Executive Director in 2025. Through her role on CALTAC, she will bring the perspective of a smaller transit operator to statewide discussions while advocating for investments and policies that support Vine Transit riders by improving regional connections between Napa County and the broader regional and statewide transportation network.

“I’m honored to join the California Transit Advisory Committee and represent Napa County in these important statewide conversations,” Schmitz said. “I look forward to advocating for Vine Transit and the needs of smaller transit systems while working with partners across California to create stronger, more seamless connections for riders.”