Bellevue University Announces Two New Board Members

Bellevue University, one of the nation’s leaders in preparing students for lifelong career success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the board will be Diva Mejias, owner and President of DM Financial Services, Inc., and Javier Fernandez, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD).

“The Bellevue University board has always provided exceptional leadership,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “Clearly, these new members will continue that tradition. One of the keys to our success is that our Board members share our passion and commitment to students.”

Mejias, a New York native, has three-plus decades of professional corporate finance and management experience. She retired in 2010 as District Controller for United Parcel Service’s Central Pennsylvania District, where she managed more than $350 million in annual spending. Mejias earned her Bachelor of Science in Business degree in Accounting from St. Peter’s University in New Jersey and her Master of Business Administration degree from Bellevue University.

Mejias is an active community volunteer and has lent financial expertise to the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation, Women on a Mission for Change, as well as the Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center. She currently chairs Omaha’s Latinas Unidas and previously served on the boards of the Omaha Women’s Fund, Metropolitan Community College Foundation and the Midlands Latino Community Development Center. She and her family were recognized with the Heartland Family Service Salute to Families award in 2016.

Fernandez joined OPPD, which is the 12th largest public power utility in the U.S. per number of customers, in 2017. He came to OPPD from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), U.S. Department of Energy in Portland, Oregon. Before entering the public utilities field, Fernandez worked in financial services and provided public finance banking and financial advisory services to municipal jurisdictions.

Fernandez earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) in Mexico City and a Master of Business Administration degree from Yale University. He also holds utility management certificates from Willamette University and the University of Idaho.

“We are very excited to have these talented individuals involved with Bellevue University and know that their experience and expertise will enhance our efforts in providing educational opportunities for our students and our community,” said Michael Cassling, President and CEO of CQuence Health Group, and Chairman of the Bellevue University Board of Directors.