Michael Tree to end tenure as executive director of Valley Link next month

Michael Tree, executive director of the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority in Livermore, Calif., has announced that he will leave the agency at the end of February. He will be succeeded by Deputy Executive Director/Program Manager Kevin Sheridan. Tree will continue his duties as executive director of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority.

Michael Tree

Tree has led the Valley Link project for nearly 5 years, three at the helm as the agency’s first executive director when it was established in January 2019 and 2 years prior to that on initiatives which led to the agency’s formation.

“Michael recognizes the very urgent need for this project and has been its tireless advocate since even before day one,” said Authority Board Chair Veronica Vargas. “He has been instrumental in establishing the Authority and bringing it to a point where it is now equipped to meet its mission to deliver the Valley Link rail project. I also give him credit for identifying a successor who can move the project into its next phase and get construction underway.”

As executive director of the rail authority, Tree oversaw the completion of the legislatively mandated Project Feasibility Report, which identified project features that included alignment, stations and the system’s operating characteristics. During his tenure, the project also cleared critical milestones with completion of the project environmental impact report and preliminary engineering. He also worked doggedly to assemble more than half of funding needed to advance an initial segment of the project.

“I am so grateful for Michael’s leadership on our project and amazed that he was able to accomplish so much, while also holding a dual role of executive director for the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority. He has been highly successful in both roles," Authority Vice-Chair Melissa Hernandez said.

“It’s been quite a ride,” Tree said as he addressed the board following discussions regarding his announcement. “I have a passion for this project and will continue to be its biggest advocate as it moves forward. I am very proud of all that we have accomplished so far.”

Information on the Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority is available on the rail authority’s website at www.valleylinkrail.com

Daily News Briefing