Ramona Fernandez brings more than 35 years of experience as a civil servant. She was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in July 2022 as deputy director for the Division of Boating and Waterways and was confirmed by the Senate Rules Committee in April 2023. Fernandez served as acting deputy director starting in 2019 and previously held the role of California’s Boating Law Administrator (BLA) from 2014 to 2023.
A native Californian, Fernandez grew up camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, and engaging in various types of boating. From a young age, she learned the importance of outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities. Her extensive civil service, combined with these formative experiences, has equipped her to excel in her current leadership roles. Over the past 19 years at California State Parks, her knowledge, skills, and dedication have prepared her to lead effectively in parks management.
Fernandez is committed to ensuring that the Division of Boating and Waterways remains a trusted authority on boating and continues to provide outstanding services to California boaters while stewarding the state’s diverse waterways. She prioritizes partnerships, collaboration with stakeholders, and public engagement to achieve these goals.
Under her leadership, the Division’s Law Enforcement Training Program received the highest honor from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in 2022 and again in 2024 for its outstanding contributions to saving lives and preventing injuries on California’s waterways. Fernandez was named Boating Professional of the Year by the Western States Boating Administrators Association (WSBAA) in 2016 and received the Distinguished Service Award from the California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains in 2014.