July 8, 2026

COO Patrick Preusser to step down from role Aug. 3

In an email sent yesterday to all employees, General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson announced the impending departure of Chief Operations Officer Patrick Preusser, who will officially step down from his role Aug. 3 to pursue an out-of-state opportunity. Dave Jensen, Deputy COO, Rail Operations, will serve as Acting Chief Operations Officer effective July 20.

During the past few weeks, Johnson wrote, “Patrick and I have been working closely to prepare for his transition and ensure the Operations Department is well positioned to sustain its strong momentum and continue delivering high‑quality service to customers.” She noted Preusser’s leadership of several significant initiatives during his tenure, including efforts to optimize the Operations Department in alignment with recommendations from an Organizational Design and Workplace Assessment commissioned in 2023; development of the agency’s high-volume events service plan; and representing RTD’s interests related to the new Denver Broncos stadium at Burnham Yard and joint rail service planning along the Northwest Corridor.

RTD evaluating high-volume event service pilot for 2027 Broncos season

In June 2026, RTD’s Board of Directors approved a service plan for Broncos game days that would support the addition of more than 10,000 seats aboard transit vehicles. RTD and the Broncos have determined that further operational adjustments are needed to implement the service for game days at Empower Field at Mile High.

This week, crews in the Colfax Avenue Alignment continued active rail reconstruction by installing rebar east of the recently completed Seventh Street crossing. Crews are also completing drainage inlet work from Ninth to Kalamath streets to upgrade the current system. Between Seventh and Ninth streets, crews continued preparing the subgrade materials around the pre-welded tracks.

In the Downtown Loop Midblocks area, crews continued drainage and excavation work. This work included inspections to determine the current electrical configuration and future placement of wires near 16th•Stout Station.

Additionally, crews placed aggregate base material from 15th to 16th streets and dug a trench for rail system utility conduits, which are enclosed tubes that protect cables from damage. Crews also continued preparing drainage inlets that collect stormwater along Stout Street. 

Every day across the Denver metro area, RTD employees are making lives better through connections. The agency is proud to spotlight our exceptional workforce who go above and beyond in their roles and embody RTD’s core values. Join us in celebrating colleagues who personify the values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership.

Light rail operator helps customer with boarding train using high block

My E Line operator, Xavier McKnight, is very friendly. He is very polite to all his passengers, but he was especially helpful to my wife and me. He helped us get on and off the train from the high block. We really appreciated him today.

N Line conductor continues to impress customer for his dedication to service

I want to recognize N Line conductor Matthew Bishop for his continuous professionalism, kindness, and genuine care for passengers. He once held the train for me when I was running late, and on many occasions I watched him ensure accessibility for a wheelchair user, communicate respectfully with a deaf passenger, and patiently help someone unfamiliar with the area find her next train.

5 years

Jessica Guardia

Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering Manager

Gabe Christie      

ADA Manager

James Gannon

Service Person

Michelle Palfy     

Parts Clerk

Olga Segura

Payroll Practitioner

Ross Hoekman

Graphic/Web Designer

Emily Valdez

Program Manager, Compliance and Privacy

Haile Tessema

Service Person

Santiago Rodriguez

General Repair Mechanic

10 years

Archana Bandari

Senior Java Developer

Bradley Wolfe

Work Assignments Supervisor

Roy Martinez       

Train Operator

Aron Baca

Sales/Information Representative

Tedros Mengesha

Bus Operator

Richard Paiz

Bus Operator

Eli Padilla

Train Operator

Lisa Clanin

Information Specialist

Fernando Sihombing

General Repair Mechanic

Pauline Haberman

Project Manager, Special Projects

20 years



Juan Tabora Lara

Bus Operator

Paul von Fay

Engineering Design Manager

Best Dressed Operator of the Week: Annette MacNeal

This week’s best dressed operator is instructor Annette MacNeal from Bus Operator Training! Thanks, Annette, for showing RTD’s newest operators how to wear the RTD uniform with pride. 

Changes made to accessing RTD offices at Civic Center Plaza

As of July 1, the seventh-floor offices at Civic Center Plaza no longer have security personnel to manage access to RTD spaces, which includes suites 510, 650, 700, 1075, 1000, and 1099. Business supports will monitor access and provide notice to employees for visitors and deliveries. Access to the RTD offices for visitors and deliveries will continue to be managed using the existing video intercom system.

To provide the best support and ensure timely responses, employees are expected to plan ahead. Employees must meet their guests at the entrance door closest to the front desk and have them complete the following steps:

• Sign the visitor’s log located on the front desk.
• Fill out a temporary name badge, which must be worn for the entire visit.
• Sign out on the visitor’s log when departing.

Please direct questions to Director of Real Estate Lauren Cely (lauren.cely@rtd-denver.com). 

2026 Salaried Employee Performance Management Training is available on Workday

All eligible salaried employees must complete the 2026 Non-Represented Employee Performance Management: Employee Overview training by July 20. The training provides an overview of the annual performance management cycle and guidance to successfully complete the process.

Eligible employees received an email and a Workday notification about the training on June 30. To access the training, follow the link in the Workday notification or navigate to the My Learning tab (Personal > Learning > My Learning) in Workday to view assigned content.

Questions about accessing the training should be addressed to rtdlearning@rtd-denver.com. Submit questions about the performance management process to rtdperformance@rtd-denver.com.

How public procurement certifications strengthen Contracting and Procurement’s impact on RTD

The Contracting and Procurement Division proudly supports, encourages, and values the pursuit of professional development through nationally recognized procurement certifications. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to excellence, ethical practices, regulatory compliance, and continuous learning. They also validate the knowledge, skills, and experience required to perform effectively in today's complex public procurement environment. By investing in professional certification, RTD strengthens its procurement workforce, enhances organizational credibility, promotes sound stewardship of public funds, and reinforces the division's ability to deliver strategic value, transparency, and accountability to the communities the agency serves.

Read on to learn more about these credentials – and to find out which colleagues hold specific professional certifications.

RTD, AIU to host Impact Grant webinar July 23 for employees

RTD’s Training and Development Division has partnered with American InterContinental University (AIU) to offer employees a free webinar on the university's benefits and how to apply for the Impact Grant, which can cover up to 100% of the tuition costs when enrolling in an Associate of Arts in Business Administration or Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at AIU.

Click the link below to register for the webinar, and click here to learn more about the Impact Grant. 

Empower to host webinar about Social Security benefits next week

Join RTD’s Empower Retirement plan advisor, Clayton Faber, from noon to 1 p.m. next Wednesday for the next entry in the 2026 RTD Retirement Education Series, exploring Social Security benefits. The webinar will cover topics such as retirement, auxiliary benefits for spouses and children, survivor benefits for spouses and children, disability, and Medicare. 

Click the link below to register. 

Shuttle buses to replace C Line service to accommodate pedestrian bridge installation over West Jewell Avenue

RTD is partnering with the City and County of Denver to support installation of the new West Jewell Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, a project designed to create safer, more direct connections to Evans Station for people walking and biking. To ensure a smooth customer experience during the eight‑hour construction window, RTD will provide shuttle service in place of C Line trains between Englewood and I-25●Broadway stations while crews complete this important infrastructure improvement from 10 p.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday. The Engineering team will share updates on bridge installation next week.

Celebrate the World Cup every week throughout the tournament by playing the Inside Connections World Cup Pick 'Em! Each week through the conclusion of the tournament July 19, choose the outcome from select matches and see how well you do.

Week 5: July 8-14 (Knockout Round of 8)

Week 4 results

USA (2)

Bosnia and

Herzegovina (0)

USA: 75%

Bosnia/Herzegovina: 25%

Spain (3)

Austria (0)

Spain: 92%

Austria: 8%

Argentina (3)

Cabo Verde (2)

Argentina: 76%

Cabo Verde: 24%

Round of 16 results

Canada (0)

Morocco (3)

Paraguay (0)

France (1)

USA (1)

Belgium (4)

Portugal (0)

Spain (1)

Brazil (1)

Norway (2)

Mexico (2)

England (3)

Switzerland (0) PK (4)

Colombia (0) PK (3)

Argentina (3)

Egypt (2)

RTD Solicitations

RTD has a number of solicitations currently underway at the agency or planned for the near future. To view and download current solicitations, see upcoming opportunities, and review pending and awarded contracts, follow the links below.

Debra's Quote of the Week

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

— Anne Frank

Need to report a concern with a vehicle, bus route, rail line or customer facility? Fill out the OneRTD Care Reporting Form by clicking the link below.

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