David Cortese
VTA Alternate Board Member

For 2008, San José Vice Mayor Dave Cortese serves the VTA Board of Directors as an alternate member representing City Group 1 (City of San José), after previously serving as a Board Member from 2001–2007.   He is a Member of the Downtown East Valley Policy Advisory Board and an alternate to VTA’s Administration and Finance, Transit Planning and Operations, and Congestion Management Program and Planning Committees.

Alternate Member Cortese is the vice mayor of the City of San José.  Elected to the city council in 2000 and again in 2004, he represents Council District 8 (Evergreen).  He is also the immediate past president of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and currently serves as a Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Commissioner.

Prior public service includes two terms on the East Side Union High School District board of trustees.  Community service has historically included service to several civic and cultural organizations and activities.

Alternate Member Cortese grew up in San José as part of a family that has been active in civic, cultural and business activities for generations.  He was educated at Bellarmine College Prep, Santa Clara University, the University of California - Davis, and Lincoln University Law School.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctorate in Law.  He has practiced law and served as the general manager of several family-owned ranching, real estate and retail businesses located in the Santa Clara Valley.