PRESS RELEASE: Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Announces Updates to Board of Directors

SAN JOSÉ, Calif.—(January 26, 2026)—The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) today announced updates to its seven-member Board of Directors (Board) following a public meeting on January 22. 

Cathryn Ming Hyde was appointed by the Board to represent District 5 (D5). Cathryn brings over 35 years of public policy experience to the role with a distinguished career in the public sector. Hyde will serve the unexpired term of office of District 5 Director ending December 4, 2026, following the resignation of Director Vicki Alexander in December 2025. 

District 5 extends across much of southwest San Jose and includes the Cambrian Park and Blossom Valley neighborhoods, as well as portions of Willow Glen. More information about all seven Open Space Authority Board districts can be found here.

Hyde was selected through a public process. The Authority issued formal notice of the vacancy on December 12 and accepted applications through January 16.

Additionally, Director Kathy Sutherland has been elected Chairperson of the Board and Director Lisanna Dominguez has been elected Vice Chairperson, effective immediately. Sutherland currently serves as the representative to District 4. Her term ends in 2028. The Board conducts its vote at the start of each calendar year to elect its officers.

“It's an honor to step into the role of Chair and continue supporting the Open Space Authority’s mission,” said Director Sutherland. “The communities we serve deserve safe, healthy and accessible open spaces, and I’m committed to advancing that vision alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers and partners.”

Director Dominguez was appointed as the representative to District 6 in 2025. She will serve through December 2026. These changes to the Board were voted on at a public meeting on January 8. 

“We are deeply grateful for the continued leadership, commitment and dedication of Directors Sutherland and Dominguez,” said Andrea Mackenzie, general manager of the Authority. “We look forward to continuing our work together in service to our local community and these beautiful open spaces.”

Media please note: Photos are available here.

Transparency Certificate of Excellence

In December 2025, the Authority received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.   

SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs. 

To receive the award, the Authority demonstrated the completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner. 

“The Authority staff works to empower the public with information, allowing for deeper engagement with our work,” said Caroline Hernandez, the Authority’s clerk of the Board. “We are proud of this recognition of our commitment to working diligently, ethically and transparently for the public good.” 

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About the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected almost 30,000 acres of open space, natural areas and working lands, watersheds, and wildlife habitat – providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. For more information, please visit openspaceauthority.org

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