Rios, who is the first Hispanic to be appointed to this role, is one of seven members who comprise the Port District's board. Three members are chosen by the City of San Diego and then one each is appointed by the cities of Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach and National City. In their role as commissioners, the seven members oversee all maritime, real estate and recreational activities on San Diego Bay and the tidelands that surround it.

Rios, who grew up in San Diego, has extensive ties to the region. A Carmel Valley resident, she attended Southwestern College and is currently president and CEO of locally based First Security Mortgage. She presently serves on the YMCA's corporate board and is also a 17-year board member of the Mexican American Business and Professional Organization. Other community work includes serving on the 1998 Super Bowl Host Committee, the Parker Foundation, the board of the United Way and the city's Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission. She has also volunteered with Las Madrinas organization and filled the role of president for the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of San Diego County.