RTD-DENVER - Key Persons
Andrea Suhaka served on the founding Centennial Council, 2001-2008 and then moved on to serve 12 years on the Centennial Planning and Zoning Commission. Also, in 2007, she was elected to the Centennial Home Rule Charter Commission. She is a graduate of the Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy and was a founding member of Transportation Solutions Arapahoe County. Throughout 2015, she worked with the Affordable Fares Task Force sponsored by Mile High Connects and continues to follow and take part in the Arapahoe County Transportation Forum. She is a past Board member of the Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council (DRMAC). She graduated from Douglass College of Rutgers University in 1970 and retired from Girl Scouts - Mile Hi Council in 2007 after a 21-year career. Growing up in New Jersey, Ms. Suhaka bussed to summer jobs in New York City. She is a resident of Centennial, RTD District H. (Term expires 2023)
Ben Bryan has over thirty years of experience in commercial real estate and currently has a consulting practice focusing on development, project management and asset management. He has managed commercial properties throughout the Midwest and developed a transit-oriented condominium project in Kansas City, MO. Currently, he is working with Second Chance Center, Colorado's largest re-entry program for formerly incarcerated persons, which has developed a fifty-unit permanent supportive housing apartment project in Aurora, CO and is developing a one hundred twenty-nine unit apartment project in Denver, CO that will have both a permanent supportive housing component and a workforce housing component. Prior to his work in commercial real estate, Mr. Bryan worked in various public-sector positions, most notably as the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Development Commission, established by the Colorado General Assembly in the late 1980's to develop a comprehensive surface transportation plan for metropolitan Denver, including rail transit. Mr. Bryan also serves on the Board of Directors of Eaton Senior Communities. He is a resident of RTD District A.
Job Titles:
- Audit Committee ( Chair )
Bobby works as an attorney at Moye White LLP. As a member of the Real Estate Section and Advanced Energy Group, he focuses on real estate transactions and regularly assists clients with solar development and other advanced or renewable energy matters. Prior to joining Moye White, Bobby worked for Baltimore City Public Schools as a middle school English and Humanities Teacher.
Outside of work and RTD, he serves on the Board of Directors of Transportation Solutions Foundation and was a founding director of The Support Network, a national non-profit working to address and promote student mental health and well-being through the implementation, development and collaboration of peer support initiatives in high schools and colleges.
Job Titles:
- Acting Assistant General Manager, Planning
Brian Welch has decades of evaluated multi-modal transportation planning experience, including more than 12 years with the Regional Transportation District, 12 years of public sector service with Danville, California, and 11 years with Fehr & Peers in both California and Colorado. His career has been characterized by key leadership roles for complex, inter-jurisdictional, high-profile public, and private sector work. Welch's public sector accomplishments include authority and responsibility for the completion and implementation of agency-wide transportation planning and programming efforts.
His private sector work includes project management and direction for millions of dollars of on-time, on-budget, consulting projects, including award-winning efforts in California and Colorado. Recognized for his expertise on the relationship between transportation and the built environment, Welch has authored papers and spoken at professional conferences on a range of topics related to mobility on demand, mobility as a service, bus rapid transit, innovations in transit-oriented, mixed-use development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Catherine Sanders is currently employed as Employer Program Manager at Smart Commute Metro North, a Transportation Management Organization in the north metro area. As Employer Program Manager, she works with commuting employees to explain RTD and mobility options like walking, biking, and carpooling. In addition to working through employers, she also regularly engages with the public at community events. Prior to working for Smart Commute, she worked for the Denver Regional Council of Governments and Commuting Solutions. Ms. Sanders grew up in Thornton, and attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. While in Michigan, Catherine worked for the City of Ann Arbor's non-motorized transportation program and fell in love with the challenges of inspiring behavior change in the transportation realm. She resides with her husband and four children in Northglenn, District J. (Term expires 2023)
Charlene Polege was named RTD's Chief People Officer in December 2022. As a values-driven and servant leader, Polege has spent the last 20 years helping unlock the full potential of talented individuals in mission-driven organizations by developing, supporting, and nurturing an engaging and resilient organizational culture through an organization's shared purpose and aligned value systems.
Prior to joining RTD, Polege provided executive human resources leadership to Canada's largest online comprehensive academic research university, where she was responsible for overall strategic HR planning, organizational development, culture and engagement, total rewards, employee and labor relations, and HR service provision in an efficient, productive, inclusive, respectful, and sustainable manner. Polege also has extensive experience in the private sector, serving as the Vice President Human Resources/Privacy Officer for a leading hospitality organization with more than 3,500 employees.
Polege holds a graduate degree from Royal Roads University, receiving a Master of Arts (MA) with a concentration in Conflict Analysis and Management and a Certification in Executive Coaching (CEC). She also holds a Certified Senior Professional (SHRM-CSP) designation from the Society of Human Resources Management and a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate for HR from Cornell University.
Job Titles:
- Training Officer With Serve Colorado
Danny Fisher is the Training Officer with Serve Colorado, within the Office of the Lt. Governor, where he leads outreach and training for AmeriCorps programs throughout the State. He is also a faculty member with Columbia University's Master of Science program in negotiation and conflict resolution. Danny has been relying on public transportation for 15 years, while living in Denver, Washington, DC, and New York City. For the past 11 years, he has volunteered with the non-profit organization Youth Celebrate Diversity, leading various workshops with high school students and teachers. Danny is a certified mediator and earned an MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University and a BS in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. He resides in Denver, District E. (Term expires 2024)
Job Titles:
- Assistant General Manager, Rail Operations
Dave Jensen is a rail professional with more than 36 years of rail and executive-level management experience. He is responsible for managing all aspects of RTD's rail operations, including both Commuter Rail and Light Rail. Jensen began his management career in 1989 and has extensive experience overseeing all levels of a passenger railroad agency.
Jensen has provided consultation and assistance to numerous transit agencies in the United States and internationally, including agencies in Hong Kong, Canada, Argentina, Utah, California, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. He also has experience participating in numerous peer reviews for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Jensen has consulted streetcar new start agencies in Kansas City, Cincinnati, and Detroit. He is recognized as a subject-matter expert in the field of railroad operations and has testified in numerous court cases as an expert witness in California and Colorado. His expertise most specifically relates to the rules, policies, procedures, and training of rail operations.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- General Manager
General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson addresses the diligent work to restore 15-minute frequency to the E and H lines, RTD commemorates Black History Month, and Denver unveils the first pavers on the 16th Street Mall.
Debra A. Johnson is a person in the people business, a transit executive guided by the knowledge that her decision-making has direct bearing on the public's ability to make connections that benefit their lives. Johnson was selected as General Manager and CEO of Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) by the agency's Board of Directors on Aug. 25, 2020. She is the first woman to lead the agency in its 52-year history.
Job Titles:
- Community Relations Coordinator for Denver District 1 Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval
Devin Saunders is the community relations coordinator for Denver District 1 Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval. He is an advocate and supporter of neighborhood organizations, citizen involvement in governance and community-based initiatives to enhance community education, unification and prosperity. Devin has developed extensive knowledge and awareness of community concerns regarding RTD and public transit throughout the city and county of Denver. Prior to living in Colorado, Devin worked with community groups, local nonprofits, local governments and the Illinois EPA and Department of Transportation to successfully obtain federal and state funding for the electrification of the public bus fleet for a Chicago suburb. Devin obtained his bachelor's in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder. He lives in RTD District M and almost solely uses RTD transit as his method of transportation.
Doug MacLeod was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer in April 2021. MacLeod has 32 years of experience in finance and accounting in both the private and public sector, and he began his career with RTD in 2010. MacLeod has an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Fort Lewis College and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Regis University. He also has an active Certified Public Accountant license with the State of Colorado.
Job Titles:
- Finance and Planning Committee ( Chair )
Job Titles:
- Chief of Police and Emergency Management
Dr. Joel Fitzgerald, Sr., joined RTD in August 2022 as the Chief of Police and Emergency Management. In his role at the agency, Fitzgerald leads the agency's efforts to support the personal safety and security of customers and employees. Prior to RTD, Fitzgerald served as the Chief of Police in Fort Worth, Texas; Missouri City, Texas; Waterloo, Iowa; and Allentown, Pennsylvania. In each of the four positions, Fitzgerald was the first African American to serve in that rank in the history of each organization.
Fitzgerald was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Villanova University, a Masters of Business Administration degree from Eastern University, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Northcentral University. Fitzgerald is also a graduate of Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government, the FBI National Academy-National Executive Institute, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and PERF-Senior Management in Policing program.
In 2019, Fitzgerald was elected a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Board.
Eric Smith has over 10 years of property and asset management, real estate and logistics experience, and currently manages Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties for Burgwyn Residential Management Services in the Denver metro area. Smith is a transportation advocate as many of his management companies' tenants rely on RTD services for daily living and commuting. He hails from Texas, where transportation was not as reliable and plentiful as Denver. From his time as a logistician in the U.S. Army at Fort Carson, Colorado, Smith has always had a passion to improve transportation accessibility and operations. He uses RTD daily to get to and from work, to classes downtown at MSU, where he is working to complete a double major in political science and psychology. Smith lives in Denver, RTD District A. (Term expires 2024)
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director for RTD District
- Executive Committee ( Chair )
- Taekwon - Do Instructor
Director Erik Davidson was sworn in to serve on the RTD Board of Directors on January 5, 2021. Erik is the Director for RTD District I, representing all of Lafayette, all the portions of Broomfield and Erie that are within the Regional Transportation District, most of Longmont, a portion of Thornton, and portions of unincorporated Adams County and Boulder County.
Director Davidson has worked as a business leader across the technology sector, focused primarily on leading growth initiatives and new ventures. He was educated as an engineer, receiving a B.S. and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University.
Director Davidson formed and led a coalition of citizens and officials in Broomfield to develop an accurate financial valuation of the working & mineral interests of a major oil & gas operation planned in the City & County.
Having lived in or having family living in major metro areas such as Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City, Director Davidson believes in robust transit systems that build a stronger economy, provide more equitable mobility, and promote a healthier environment.
Director Davidson lives in Broomfield with his wife, Anastasia, a professional actress. Erik is a Taekwon-Do instructor, enjoys the outdoors, believes in the arts, is passionate about reading & learning, and loves his family.
Job Titles:
- Assistant General Manager
- Assistant General Manager, Bus Operations
Fred Worthen is the Assistant General Manager, Bus Operations. He began his career nearly four decades ago as a coach operator in Corpus Christi, Texas. Worthen has served in senior leadership roles throughout his career in Texas, Washington, and Colorado. He has an extensive background in operations and planning. Worthen frequently speaks at national conferences on operational improvement, lessons learned and implementing alternative fueled vehicles, and other transit-related topics.
Job Titles:
- Director of Benefits and Wellness for the City
Heather Britton is the Director of Benefits and Wellness for the City and County of Denver (city) and is responsible for negotiating, implementing, and overseeing all insurance and voluntary benefits for nearly 11,000 city employees and their families. Ms. Britton considers transit passes with RTD an integral, inexpensive, yet high value, part of the city's benefit package to be used along with telecommuting, alternative work schedules or flexible start/end times to make commuting a less stressful component of employee's lives. Britton hopes to provide the perspective of the nearly 2,400 employees at Denver that utilize the city's discounted transit pass and to help address the needs of employees who are unable to utilize transit. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business. She has utilized RTD for her daily commute to Denver since 2000. Heather resides with her daughter in Broomfield, RTD District I. (Term expires 2024)
Ian Harwick is a mostly native of Colorado, having spent his first 6 months in Ohio. He moved to Arvada in 1988 and has spent a good portion of his life there.
He graduated with a degree in Business Management from Johnson & Wales University, attending at their Providence campus, as well as their now-closed Denver campus.
Ian joined RTD in January 2023 after a write-in campaign in 2022. He has been a staunch advocate for transit, cycling, walking, and adaptive mobility for the last 20 years.
For his day job, Ian works for the City of Denver in the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency. His prior work at the city included a small stint at DDPHE (during the start of the Covid pandemic) and then a longer stay at the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner. Prior to his time there he spent ten years running a small consulting business and has been highly involved in the Athmar Park Neighborhood Association, Denver's YIMBY's and New Leaders Council.
He is now back in Arvada where he parents a feisty 6-year-old girl with his wife, Kristin. He spends his spare time fixing up his house, playing volleyball, and attempting to read more books.
Jaime began his work history in 1977. From 1977-1995, he worked for the United States Military Academy as the Directorate of Information Management. Even though it was the 1970's, Jaime was asked to provide input on accessibility as the Academy was trying to open its doors to tourism and wanted to ensure it was accessible as possible.
In 1996, Jaime moved to Colorado and enjoyed working directly with the citizens of Chaffee County. From 1996-2001, he held several positions in Chaffee County Colorado, including serving as the Editor of the County Resource handbook, as a member of Salida City Council, and as the mayor of Salida.
In 1999, he started working with the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition (CCDC) to preserve and enhance the rights for people with disabilities, and he remains an active member of the CCDC.
In addition to his service on the RTD Board of Directors, Jaime is also involved in the following organizations:
Jim Paulmeno retired from a long career with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) where he focused on environmental planning activities in the Denver metro area. Jim managed the Region 6 Planning and Environmental Section ensuring Denver Metro transportation projects were designed and completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Jim's CDOT experience included his position as the Environmental Manager for the T-REX Multi-Modal project in Denver and later in his CDOT career served as the CDOT/RTD FasTracks Liaison. After retiring from CDOT, Jim was employed by Parsons-Brinckerhoff (now WSP) as a Senior Supervising Environmental Planner and some of his projects included the Denver Union Station, the N Line and the Southeast Rail Line Extension to Ridge Gate Parkway. Jim continues to use and support transit and is an avid road cyclist. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder and a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from University of Colorado-Denver. Jim is a Colorado native born in Denver and currently lives with his wife in Longmont, District I. (Term expires 2022)
Job Titles:
- Community Development Director for the Town of Parker
John Fussa is the Community Development Director for the Town of Parker and has been a member of the Executive Management Team since August 2013. He is responsible for most aspects of Parker's physical growth and development including building services, development review, land use policy, long-range planning and management of complex, inter-disciplinary projects. His Community Development team has earned multiple awards for their work on behalf of the Town including the 2014 Transportation Master Plan, 2015 Mainstreet Master Plan, 2017 EastMain Redevelopment Project and 2019 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. He is currently a member of the American Planning Association, Colorado Municipal League, International City Management Association and Urban Land Institute. Mr. Fussa holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of City and Regional Planning Degree from Rutgers University.
Director JoyAnn Ruscha (she/they) was elected to the Board in 2022 and represents District B, which spans the Denver neighborhoods of Park Hill, Central Park, Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, DIA, a portion of East Colfax, as well as north of Colfax in Aurora and parts of unincorporated Adams County.
JoyAnn is the Director of Government Relations & Grants at arc Thrift Stores, which supports Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Representing disabled Coloradans' interests, JoyAnn serves as a Governor Polis appointee to both the Colorado Disability Funding Committee and the Towing Task Force. Previously, Director Ruscha was an executive member of the boards of J Street Colorado and NARAL Colorado (now Cobalt).
A former teacher, JoyAnn worked at the original Montbello High School in Denver and at an alternative school for at-risk youth in Aurora. JoyAnn's son, an avid RTD rider since the age of 11, also attended middle and high school in Central Park. All four schools are in District B, where JoyAnn experienced the direct impact of transit and land use policies.
In other roles, JoyAnn was also a proud dues-paying member of SEIU Local 105 and Colorado Carpenters Local 555. In recognition of her demonstrated commitment to the rights of workers everywhere, JoyAnn was recently awarded honorary membership as a "Woman of Steel" by the Steelworkers Local 3267.
In 2022, JoyAnn was honored with the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition's George Roberts & Jeanette Klimach Foot Soldier of the Year Award, which is given to a person who goes above and beyond in fighting for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
JoyAnn remains inspired by the Gang of 19, a group of disabled ADAPT activists who protested RTD's inaccessible system in 1978. As Director, JoyAnn believes in the future of RTD and its ability to achieve an equitable and accessible world-class transit system for all.
Director Ruscha lives with her son, Jude, and their rescue dog, Max, in the Central Park neighborhood of Denver.
Director Bouquet was elected to the RTD Board in the 2020 general election on November 3rd. Director Bouquet was sworn in as Director on January 5, 2021. Director Bouquet represents RTD District G which includes most of Parker and Lone Tree and portions of Centennial, Aurora and Castle Rock.
Director Bouquet is a full time middle school teacher for Douglas County School District. He teaches elective classes on media and broadcast production, as well as a class on photojournalism and electronic publishing. His classes have won multiple district and statewide student-media and student-journalism awards.
He has grown up in Douglas County and has lived most of his life in the county. Director Bouquet is a frequent RTD rider, and was first introduced to RTD while attending the University of Denver. He used the E or F line almost everyday in college. Director Bouquet graduated from the University of Denver in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Director Bouquet has been involved in several political campaigns since 2012. He has served as a non-paid volunteer, an organizer and a canvas manager. He is also a proud Eagle Scout and credits most of his civic engagement from his time in the scouts.
Job Titles:
- Acting Assistant General Manager, Capital Programs
Jyotsna Vishwakarma was appointed as the Acting Assistant General Manager, Capital Programs in July 2023. She has been with RTD since 2010 and served as the agency's Chief Engineer since November 2015. Prior to joining RTD, Vishwakarma worked at engineering consultancies in Colorado and Texas. The Capital Programs Department she leads manages infrastructure and facilities changes and expansions, real property, engineering, construction, mapping, and utility locates. Her team is also responsible for maintaining public, administrative, and operational facilities.
A licensed Professional Engineer, Vishwakarma holds master's and bachelor's degrees in civil engineering and has more than 30 years of experience working on various infrastructure and facilities programs and projects.
Director Lynn Guissinger was elected to the RTD Board of Directors in November 2018 and took office in January, 2019 representing District O. District O represents the most northwestern portion of the RTD area including all of the City of Boulder, Jamestown, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, and Ward, the portion of Longmont west of North 95th St. and south of Mountain View Ave., all of Superior within Boulder County, and the majority of unincorporated Boulder County, generally lying west of North 95th St.
Director Marjorie Sloan was elected as Director for District M on November 3, 2020, and sworn in on January 5, 2021. District M includes all of Golden, Lakeside, Mountain View, the majority of Lakewood and Wheat Ridge, and portions of unincorporated Jefferson County.
Director Sloan has been Mayor of Golden, preceded by terms as city councilor and planning commissioner. In these roles, she has studied, worked on, and resolved transportation issues in Golden, District M, and the entire Regional Transportation District. She was Chair of the Denver Metro Mayors Caucus and a steering-committee member of the national Mayors Innovation Project. She was recognized on International Women's Day with the 2020 Jefferson County "Shattered Glass" award.
By profession, Director Sloan is a lawyer, having earned her law degree at the University of Colorado School of Law (graduating 3rd in her class). She has worked as a law clerk to the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, a litigation partner in the Denver office of the national law firm BakerHostetler, and a staff attorney in the United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Job Titles:
- Associate at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Matt Frommer is a Senior Transportation Associate at The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), a public- interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency and clean transportation in the Southwest. In his role at SWEEP, Matt works with local governments, electric utilities, and transit agencies to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and expand multimodal infrastructure and transit services. Matt received a Master of Environmental Science in Sustainable Planning and Management from the University of Colorado in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan in 2010. He is a frequent uses the local bus, light- rail, and Flatiron Flyer. Matt lives in Denver, RTD District C. (Term expires 2024)
Matthew Appelbaum served on the Boulder city council for eighteen years until 2017, including five as mayor. His work with transportation issues began in 1985 when he was appointed to a committee to write Boulder's first transportation master plan. As mayor he was an active member of the US36 Mayors and Commissioners Coalition, lobbying state and national representatives and fostering partnerships in the northwest corridor with RTD and CDOT to implement the very successful US36 managed lanes and Flatiron Flyer service. Matt currently serves on the boards of ICLEI-USA, an international organization of sustainable cities, and the WaterNow Alliance, which educates city leaders on sustainable water practices. In "real life," Matt designed and implemented complex computer software systems, and received an MS in computer science. He grew up in New York, taking the bus and subway to both high school and college, and loves to use transit systems around the world. Matt has lived in Boulder, RTD District O, for over forty years, and frequently walks to the Table Mesa Park-n-Ride to catch the bus. (Term Expires 2025)
Melanie Snyder was named RTD's General Counsel in June 2020. Snyder has more than 15 years of experience representing a variety of clients in both the public and private sectors. As General Counsel, she advises the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer and elected Board of Directors, and oversees the Legal Services, Risk Management, and Information Governance Management Divisions.
Prior to assuming her role at RTD, Snyder served as Chief Deputy Attorney General and Chief of Staff overseeing the management of the largest law firm in the State of Colorado. In these roles, she oversaw general counsel and transactional advice to all executive and judicial branch agencies, boards and commissions, and statewide elected officials, coordinated legal policy and ethics compliance, and served as intergovernmental liaison. She also oversaw civil investigations and litigation, including coordination with multistate and federal partners, and enforcement of consumer protection, cybersecurity/data privacy, consumer credit, and federal and state antitrust laws. Snyder has significant expertise in business operations and continuity, process improvement, public relations, and community engagement. Prior to joining the Attorney General's Office, Snyder practiced commercial litigation at large and small Denver firms. She received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Arizona.
Michael Ford joined RTD on January 29, 2018, when he was appointed to the newly created position of Chief Operations Office, as the first time executive at RTD to lead all transportation modes and supporting activities. As the Chief Operations Officer he directs the activities of Bus Operations, Rail Operations, ADA Paratransit Services, and Service Planning and Development.
Ford began his transit career early, while in college, starting as a janitor for Greyhound and moving into Greyhound Operations management shortly after earning his BA in Sociology and Philosophy from Pacific University in Pacific Grove, Oregon. While working for Greyhound, rapidly progressing to Greyhound Area General Manager for Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana, he completed his MBA from City University in Seattle.
Ford brings a lifetime commitment to regional, local, and individual mobility with more than 40 years of experience in public and private transportation that includes properties from the Northwest to the Midwest; providing service through multiple transportation modes including, but not limited to, light rail, streetcar, fixed route service, ADA, specialized shuttles and commuter rail. Ford's innovative approaches to service delivery and commitment to mobility for all citizens have been instrumental in achieving success leading transportation organizations in the NW, California, and Michigan. Ford has served as chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and general manager delivering access to transportation through varied transit modes. While CEO for the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, the organization garnered national attention for the fourth highest growth in ridership; launching new services and securing new funding with overwhelming community and voter support.
Ford's energy and passion for service, community and collaboration has secured the success of enhanced and beneficial changes to mobility, effective public-private partnerships, and widespread business and community support.
Job Titles:
- Finance and Planning Committee ( Vice Chair )
- New Director for District C
Michael Guzman, the new Director for District C, is a Denver native, a St. Joe's baby, a descendant of Aurarians with proud Chicano and Boricua roots. Currently serving up lattes and fresh coffee, he is in his 8th year as a Supervisor and Coffee Master for Starbucks Coffee Co.
He is a Graduate of St. John's University, Collegeville, MN. with a B.A. conferred in 2003.
Michael's proudest accomplishment has been to return to Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria, as a volunteer to plant and repopulate coffee trees. The hurricane devastated the coffee industry. It was a small step to restoring opportunity, hope, and in a deeply meaningful way to help heal both himself and his isla querida. My great-grandma taught me, "if you never put your hands into the earth, you never learn to respect it."
If he isn't brewing coffee or studying languages, he's probably reading, walking and listening to his favorite podcasts, or being still (even though that last one is rare). You'd most likely catch him on the 52, 44, 19, 31 or the G or A trains.
Michelle Gaeng is a 2022 graduate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and anticipates admission to the Colorado Bar in fall 2022. She will also join Lewis Roca, LLP as an associate in fall 2022. Michelle was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, but prior to making Colorado her home, she lived in Washington, D.C. for five years, where she formed her passion for public transportation. Never having owned a car, Michelle relies on public transportation and her bike to get her where she needs to go and advocates for reliable, safe and accessible public transit in Colorado. She also lived in Freiburg, Germany, during college, a city that is essentially car-free and that exposed her to a bike and tram-centric lifestyle. Michelle holds an undergraduate degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She resides in RTD District A in the Baker neighborhood of Denver and takes RTD every day.
Director Paul Rosenthal was sworn in as Director for RTD District E on January 5, 2021. Located in the east and southeast metro area, District E represents part of Aurora west of 1-225 and south of Colfax as well as Denver, Greenwood Village and Centennial south of Yale Ave and east of I-25.
A native of San Francisco, California, Director Rosenthal has lived in Denver since 1995. He has been a special education, Economics, Civics, Colorado History, and U.S. History teacher at a youth correctional facility since 2009. In the summer of 2020, he was awarded "Teacher of the Year" by Junior Achievement for his work engaging his students in his Economics course and leading them to 5th and 7th place in the Stock Market Challenge, where they competed against 40 teams. In 2013, he received the Teacher of the Year Award from his school.
He served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2013-2018, where he passed legislation to require the governor to make climate change a priority. He also championed and pioneered bills to support transit and transportation, ban "gay conversion therapy", reduce use of plastic bags, reform the criminal justice system, and adopt the National Popular Vote. Director Rosenthal sponsored tributes and breakfasts in honor of Daddy Bruce Randolph and Corky Gonzales, had forums for legislators to meet with refugees and immigrants, and recognized dozens of diverse students for their success. He was the chair of the LGBTQ Caucus and founder of the Aerospace Caucus in the legislature. His House district included southeast Denver and parts of unincorporated Arapahoe County.
Since 2005, Director Rosenthal has been an appointee by former Mayor Hickenlooper and now Mayor Michael Hancock to the Denver Community Corrections Board, and he served as Vice Chair. The board decides which offenders from prison may re-enter the community through Denver's half-way houses. In 2009, Director Rosenthal envisioned and successfully led the effort to name the new Denver courthouse after his hero, former Denver Juvenile Court Judge Ben Barr Lindsey.
Director Rosenthal was elected as a delegate to Democratic National Conventions in 2000 and 2004, and was elected Secretary of the Denver Democratic Party and President of Colorado Stonewall LGBTQ Democrats. He helped found the University Hills Neighborhood Association. For five years he served on the Jewish Community Relations Council of JewishColorado.
Director Rosenthal earned his Master's of International Management from the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business and has lived and traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. He has worked for various businesses and law firms as well. He attends Aish Denver synagogue in Greenwood Village. In his free time, he enjoys cooking exotic foods for friends, hiking, seeing films, and a good glass of wine.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Professional Engineer
Director Peggy Catlin was sworn in as Director for RTD District N on March 27, 2018. She was selected by the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Tina Francone. District N is entirely in Jefferson County and serves unincorporated Jefferson County as well as the communities of Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, Willow Springs and Ken-Caryl Ranch.
Director Catlin is a licensed professional engineer with a 39-year multi-disciplined engineering and management career holding leadership positions in both public and private sectors primarily focused in transportation. She has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Colorado State University and is currently the owner of Catlin & Company, which provides transportation consulting services in areas such as strategic planning, project management and alternative delivery systems. She is also currently serving on the National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board Congestion Pricing Committee. She was the deputy executive director for Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) from May 2000 until June 2011 and represented the department on the DUSPA Board. Prior to her state service she was vice president for HNTB Corporation from May 1994 until March 2000 culminating in the design/build contract for Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Director Catlin served on the WTS (Women's Transportation Seminar) International Advisory Board May 2002 to May 2006 and was a Charter Board Member for the Colorado Chapter where she was named WTS Woman of the Year in 2002. She was a member of Colorado State University Civil Engineering Advisory Board from 2003 to 2007, and served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials from July 2004 to July 2005. Her work on the conversion of the I-25 HOV lanes to High Occupancy Toll lanes in partnership with RTD was awarded the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials annual award for planning in 2007. She was honored by the Mile High Girl Scout Council as a Woman of Distinction in 2009.
Robert E. (Bob) Broom was elected Director for RTD District F on November 8, 2016. This district includes the largest portion of Aurora and portions of unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County on the eastern side of RTD.
Bob was elected to Aurora City Council in 2003 and served three terms through 2015. He has a strong background in municipal governance, having worked in city governments in three states. After serving as City Manager of Aurora, Bob pursued a career in investment banking. His expertise in municipal financial matters was an asset in his position on City Council and will be helpful also on the RTD Board. He was a licensed Stock and Bond Broker and held a Securities Principal license. Bob has a B.S. in Business Administration from Millikin University and an MBA from the University of Denver.
Clean air and water are a top priority, and Bob worked for them while serving on the Board of the Denver Regional Council of Governments for eight years. In 2014, he was appointed by Governor John Hickenlooper to the Denver Metropolitan Area Regional Clean Air Council. Bob also served as Chairman of the Denver Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamations District Board, on the Board of the Cherry Creek Basin Authority, and on the Colorado Department of Transportation Regional Transportation Commission.
Bob is married to Ruthie, and they have two grown daughters and a grandson.
Stephen Duhon (he/they) is a transportation advocate. He recently completed the Denver Streets Partnership Advocacy Academy and is a frequent passenger of the 83L, 83D, 105, 10, 15, 16, H, and F lines. Stephen's lived experiences have shaped his views on RTD and how it serves the people who depend on it the most. His service to the Denver community started back in 2019 as an Americorps VISTA, providing support and training to Indigenous/Native American communities in the metropolitan area. Stephen has a MSc in Social and Organizational Psychology from the University of Exeter and a BA in Psychology from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He lives in Denver, RTD District B. (Term expires 2024)
Job Titles:
- Chief Communications and Engagement Officer
Stuart Summers oversees all strategic communications, media and public relations, marketing, customer engagement, and community outreach at RTD. He was named the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer in 2022 and is specifically tasked with enhancing public perception and overall awareness.
Prior to assuming his role at RTD, Summers was the Associate Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives at Idaho State University. He spent 11 years overseeing the university's marketing and communications, bolstering campus events and traditions, and supporting the institution's strategic priorities. Summers is also a former morning show anchor and reporter for an NBC affiliate in Idaho. Summers spent two years volunteering as an English teacher in Mongolia, where he taught at a career and technical college near the Russian border. In addition to being an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructor, he also speaks Mongolian fluently.
Job Titles:
- National Sales Director for a Firm Called Transit Marketing Group
Tony Jackson is the National Sales Director for a firm called Transit Marketing Group. He has been with this Boulder, CO based company in various roles for the past 11 years. Tony's daily business activities are 100% focused on public transportation solutions in the United States and Canada. He is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association where he can consistently network with other members and have an impact on the public transit industry. As a customer of RTD Tony frequents the A Line to the airport and the Flatiron Flyer to Boulder. Tony is currently pursuing a Master of Business Management at the University of Denver. He will complete the program by summer 2021. Tony and his family live in Denver, District C. (Term expires 2023)
Travis Duea has over fifteen years of experience in transportation operations and is currently a senior manager for a logistics company providing e-commerce fulfillment and package delivery services. Before his work in e- commerce, Mr. Duea was a leader at Herzog Transit Services, supporting the 2010 launch and daily operations of Capital MetroRail, a 32-mile commuter train system in Austin, TX. In this role, he partnered with transit agency planners to implement off-peak and reverse-commuter rail service, along with last-mile rail connector bus routes, which doubled ridership by connecting downtown residents to major employment centers in suburban Austin. He has a BA in Operations Management from the University of Colorado and an MBA with a Supply Chain Management emphasis from Arizona State University. Mr. Duea is a Boulder native, a frequent RTD rider, and currently lives Westminster, District J. (Term expires 2023)
Director Troy Whitmore was elected to the RTD Board of Directors in November 2018 and took office in January 2019, representing District K. District K is RTD's most northeastern district which includes Brighton, Commerce City, much of Thornton and unincorporated Adams County.
Troy Whitmore is an active community servant who has been a United Power employee for more than 30 years. In his current position as Public Affairs Officer, he oversees communications, marketing, key accounts, governmental affairs and community relations functions for the electric distribution cooperative based in Brighton, Colorado.
A northeastern Colorado native, Troy is a 1983 graduate of Northeastern Junior College and a 1985 graduate of Colorado State University.
A former Thornton City Council member, Troy remains very active in his community. He is past Chair of the Board of Directors of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce, past Chair and Board member of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation and past President and Board member of Almost Home, Inc. He serves as a Board Member for Smart Commute MetroNorth and Adams County Economic Development. He also chairs School District 27J's Bond Advisory Committee and is Vice Chair of the Board of Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) which is Colorado's premier energy assistance foundation.
The MetroNorth Chamber named him Business Person of the Year in 2011 and recognized him with the Chairman's Award in 2016. He was awarded the Pathfinder Award by Northeastern Junior College in 2015. In 2017, Whitmore was honored by Pro 15 with the Alumni of the Plains recognition. Director Whitmore is committed to building a world-class transit system that effectively serves constituents in all socio-economic classes and prompts economic development throughout the RTD service area.
Ursula "Bryn" Grunwald is an associate on RMI's Urban Transformation team, an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization of experts across disciplines working to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve lives. In her work at RMI, Bryn works with city and state governments, local frontline organizations, and other groups to improve cities and communities access to transit, improved urban design, and renewable energy. Bryn has a master's in mechanical engineering with a focus on energy and the environment from the University of Colorado Boulder, as well as bachelor's degrees in international affairs and mechanical engineering. Bryn resides in District ) and frequently uses the local bus and the Flatiron Flyer. (Term expires 2025)
Director Vince Buzek was elected to the RTD Board of Directors in November 2018 and took office in January 2019, representing District J. Director Buzek's District includes the cities of Westminster, Northglenn, Federal Heights, portions of western Thornton and portions of unincorporated Adams and Jefferson Counties.
A Chicago native, Director Buzek grew up in a transit dependent family, relying on public transportation for much of his early life. As a Council Member for the City and County of Broomfield from 1999 - 2007, Director Buzek was active in transit issues and participated in the decision for Broomfield to publicly support FasTracks. Director Buzek also served on the Colorado Gaming Commission as a Member and its Chair and has served for the past 6 years on the Adams County Planning Commission as Member, Vice-Chair and Chair. Director Buzek understands the many challenges faced by RTD and its ridership and brings his background and expertise to address the issues faced not only by his constituents in District J, but throughout the entire region.
Director Buzek, an attorney with over 30 years' experience in Chicago and Colorado, currently operates his own firm in Broomfield focusing on estate planning and mediation. Director Buzek enjoys travelling with his wife, Karen; bee keeping, reading, and attempting to garden.