Bellevue University Welcomes Two New Board Members

Bellevue University officially welcomed Diva R. Mejias and Luis J. “Javier” Fernandez, both of Omaha, to its Board of Directors during the board’s spring meeting held on campus on May 31.

Both Mejias and Fernandez bring strong business and organizational skills to the Board.

Diva R. Mejias

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.

She is owner and President of DM Financial Services, Inc., which specializes in property, casualty, life and health insurance.

Mejias earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, and a Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University. She also earned a Long-Term Care Certification (CLTC) designation, and is licensed to provide insurance services in Nebraska, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts and California.

Known for volunteering her financial expertise to assist non-profit organizations, Mejias currently serves as Treasurer of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation, Women on a Mission for Change/ She is Chair of Omaha’s Latinas Unidas and previously served on the Boards of the Omaha Women’s Fund, the Metropolitan Community College Foundation and the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation.

Mejias and her husband, Al, have two adult children and six grandchildren. In 2016, the Mejias family was honored by Heartland Family Services with its Salute to Families Award for outstanding community service.

Javier Fernandez

Fernandez is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Omaha Public Power District (OPPD). He came to OPPD from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), U.S. Department of Energy, in Portland, Oregon, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer there.

Before joining BPA, Fernandez served for three years as Senior Vice President with D.A. Davidson & Co., a financial services firm, and seven years with Seattle-Northwest Securities, where he 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, a Master of Business Administration degree from Yale University, a Utility Management Certificate from Willamette University, and a Utility Executive Certificate from the University of Idaho.

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

“The 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.”