Yoriko Kishimoto was born in Japan and raised in the United States. She attended Wesleyan University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies. She earned her Masters in Business Administration from Stanford University in 1981.

Yoriko was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2010, following the passing of Board President and Ward 2 Director Mary Davey. She was re-appointed in January 2011 to continue serving on the board until the next general election in November 2012.

Prior to joining the District, Yoriko was a member of the Palo Alto City Council where she promoted walkable communities, open government, high environmental standards, and fiscal responsibility. She became Mayor in 2007.

In addition to her work in the City of Palo Alto, Yoriko also served on the boards of Hidden Villa, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and the Valley Transportation Authority.

Yoriko lives in Palo Alto with her husband and two daughters. They are frequent visitors to Long Ridge Open Space Preserve.