September 23, 2026

RTD launches national search for new CEO

RTD has launched a national search for its next Chief Executive Officer and has partnered with executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates to lead the recruitment. Applications are being accepted through Nov. 20, and finalist candidates will be announced publicly by mid-December.

“RTD seeks a CEO who can continue strengthening the agency’s fiscal foundation, drive long-range funding solutions, and guide RTD through budget challenges while advancing innovation, equity, transit service delivery, and the customer experience,” said RTD Board Chair Patrick O’Keefe.

Burnin’ rubber at District Shops: operators, mechanics face off at the 2026 Bus Roadeo

On Saturday, 57 bus operators, 15 mechanics, six service/vault pullers, and 17 paratransit operators from across all RTD divisions and contractors took to the concrete at District Shops to compete in the 2026 Bus Roadeo and etch their names in RTD history. It was a day full of fun, camaraderie, and competition. Behind the scenes, however, it was a product of the power of collaboration, determination, and perseverance in pulling off such an event on such short notice.

RTD brings rail safety education to six stations during Rail Safety Week

RTD is bringing rail safety education directly to customers across the Denver metro area all week long during See Tracks? Think Train® Week. Employees will continue to be at several rail stations each day to engage with the public and educate on how best to stay safe around trains, tracks, and crossings.

Behind the scenes with RTD police dispatchers

Every day of the year – and every hour of the day – RTD Police Dispatchers support RTD’s security operations. Working continuously behind the scenes, they monitor activity across the transit system and respond to security-related calls from customers, employees, operators, and Transit Police officers.

In memoriam: Joli Devries

In a memo sent to all employees yesterday evening, Chief People Officer Lili Tran announced the death of accounting clerk Joli Devries.

Devries joined the agency in October 2014. She became a valued and cherished member of the Accounting Division during her 12 years with RTD.

"Joli touched the lives of many throughout her years with RTD and left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her," said Tran. "Her presence will be deeply missed by her colleagues and friends across the District.

Employees who would like to speak to someone about this loss can contact RTD's Employee Assistance Program at 1.877.237.3954. Employees in the Accounting Division are encouraged to contact Operations Accounting Manager Judy Vialpando at 303.299.6248 if support is needed. Additionally, all impacted employees are encouraged to reach out to their supervisor, mentor, or another member of management to receive assistance.

In the Downtown Loop Midblocks area, crews continued work along Stout Street. Between 14th and 15th streets, crews installed rail, conducted thermite welding, and began setting the new track to final elevation. Between 15th and 16th streets, crews completed curb and gutter work, repaired sidewalk panels, and applied elastomeric grout at the intersection of 16th and Stout streets.

Between 16th and 17th streets, crews continued drainage improvements, including excavation and construction of new curb inlets, installed rebar and forms, and began pouring the embedded-track concrete slab between 17th and 18th streets. Between 18th and 19th streets, crews continued constructing drainage structures.

In the Colfax Avenue Alignment area, crews continued rail and concrete work between Seventh and Ninth streets while drainage and underground utility work progressed between Ninth and Kalamath streets. Crews placed self-compacting base materials around completed drainage inlet structures.

Updated Operations Department organizational chart is now available to view on the Hub

The latest organizational chart identifies reporting structure and job titles of key staff within the Operations Department. Click the link below to view and download a copy of the updated chart.

At last night’s monthly Board of Directors meeting, the Board heard a presentation from the City and County of Denver on the Welton Street Corridor, followed by a presentation on RTD CONNECT network concepts and engagement from Corridor Planning Manager, Doug Monroe, and Long Range Planning Director, Kiernan Maletsky.

Following a public hearing, the Board approved an amendment to the 2026 Budget. The Board also approved the 2027–2031 Five-Year Financial Forecast, a Budget Transfer for IT Network Equipment, the 2027 Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan, the 2027 Paratransit Program Assessment Scope and Contract Authorization, and a Resolution authorizing the refunding of taxable sales tax revenue bonds (Build America Bonds).

The Board approved, as amended, an Intergovernmental Agreement with Adams County for N Line Design Project Development; approved updates to the Salaried Employee Trust Agreements; and directed staff to review RTD’s Fare Enforcement policies and practices to increase fare revenue, enhance enforcement, and further deter fare evasion.

The Board concluded its action items by adopting the 2026 CEO Compensation Philosophy and approving, as amended, the CEO Job Description and Salary Range, and the CEO Search Committee. The Executive Committee members appointed to the CEO Search Committee are Karen Benker, District I; Chris Gutschenritter, District D; Ian Harwick, District L; Chris Nicholson, District A; and Patrick O’Keefe, District H. The committee will support the nationwide search for the agency’s next permanent CEO ahead of General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson’s departure in May 2027.

Click the thumbnail above to watch a recording of the meeting.

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.

Bus operator shows kindness while securing wheelchair-bound customer

I want to thank operator Eddie Stathum for being professional, proficient, and patient. I use a power wheelchair. He secured me without issue, and I would consider him a five-star driver. I was very proud and pleased that he helped me. His patience is very impressive.

Bus operator’s smooth driving, patience as customers find seats impresses frequent customer 

Operator Jessie Molina is a great Route FF2 driver. I’ve ridden his route consistently for the last month but intermittently before that. He’s smooth on the road and helpful to passengers. I greatly appreciate how he makes sure people find a seat before taking off. Thanks for getting everyone transported safely, Jesse! 

Crowds watch on as station arch is installed at Havana Street Station

On Monday, spectators watched on as construction crews lifted the latest East Colfax BRT station arch at Havana Street Station, marking yet another key milestone in the progress of the new bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor. Attendees gathered at Pollo Picante in Aurora and celebrated as the city's only station arch was installed.

Best Dressed Operator of the Week: Desta Animaw

This week’s best dressed operator is Desta Animaw from East Metro Division! Desta knows how to "aura farm" while representing RTD on and off the roads. 

WTS Colorado, CDOT to host special Podcast Club event tonight at Blake Street

Reminder: September’s service changes, bus-only lane operations along Colfax Avenue begin Sunday

Join Emergency Management Manager Diana Rawles at Facts-n-Snacks next week as she shares tips, advice, and considerations to make when preparing for various emergencies in recognition of Emergency Preparedness Month.



Dates, times, and locations are below. To register for a session, click the RSVP under the desired date and fill out the form. Can’t make it? A recording of the session will be uploaded to the Facts-n-Snacks page on the Hub shortly after the final session has concluded. 

Session 1

11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29

(virtual, Teams)

Session 2

Noon Wednesday,

Sept. 30

(virtual, Teams)

Session 3

2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1

(in-person,

Blake Conf. Room B)

From Operations: ROC announces new controllers for bus, light rail, and engineering and faults 

Last Friday afternoon, Regional Operations Center (ROC) Director Erik Wright and ROC Manager Tim Lucero issued a memo to all Operations staff welcoming the ROC’s newest controllers.

Pictured above, from left to right, are controllers Daniel Rocha, Victor Pekar, Nicodemo Casciato, Ray Wagner, Jennifer Handgen, Dianah Delgado, and Tonya Smith. Pekar and Smith are assigned to Bus Operations, Rocha to Light Rail Operations, Handgen to N Line Commuter Rail Operations, and Casciato, Wagner, and Delgado to Engineering and Faults.



Click the link below to learn more about the ROC’s new controllers.

Applications for the NTI Transit Academy are now open

The National Transit Institute (NTI) Transit Academy is a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes study of the nation’s most innovative transit systems, and RTD will serve as host Oct. 26-30!

RTD offers alternative parking during project at Nederland Park-n-Ride

RTD will close portions of the Nederland Park-n-Ride beginning Monday, Sept. 28 as crews repair cracked and damaged asphalt and repave the parking areas.

Crews will close one lot at a time, and customers will be directed to available parking while paving operations take place. The work, which will be done in two phases as shown in the map on the page linked below, is not expected to impact bus and pedestrian access or transit service.

RTD holiday sweaters are now available on the RTD Online Store

Purchase this year’s RTD holiday sweater and show off your transit pride. Orders are expected to ship in November. RTD employees can take advantage of free shipping to their home address or have their sweater sent directly to RTD's Blake Street headquarters. Employees can have an order sent to Blake Street by entering “EMPSHIP” in the promo code field, and orders will be distributed via interoffice mail to the employee's primary work location. Please include the division's internal mail code in the "Shipping Information" section if selecting this option.

From Wellbeing: Additional Mental Health First Aid training classes are now available 

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, spread hope, take meaningful action, and support open conversations about suicide, recognize warning signs, and connect people to help.

Suicide is one of today’s most urgent mental health challenges, and awareness and education can save lives. That is why RTD is offering adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to all employees.

This skills-based course, led by physical therapist Erica Kruk, teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults. Two additional courses have been made available for RTD employees looking to become certified in MHFA. Each certification is good for three years and comes from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Manager approval is required for participation, and the $19.95 registration fee can be covered with PDP funds.

By participating, employees gain valuable skills while actively strengthening RTD’s commitment to a safer and more supportive community. 

Click the link below to register for an upcoming course.

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

"Change is made of choices, and choices are made of character."

— Amanda Gorman

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.

This email was sent to all RTD employees.



Send ideas, feedback and questions to insideconnections@rtd-denver.com.

View this email as a web page.

Disclaimer: Please do not click the unsubscribe button. You will miss out on important information about the agency and be resubscribed.