Denver RTD
Denver RTD on July 22 announced the promotion of Brett Feddersen as the agency’s inaugural Chief Information and Technology Officer responsible for helping to “steward RTD’s long-term IT vision and lead important initiatives in support of the agency’s mission.” He brings more than 20 years of experience in IT strategy and operational management.
Feddersen first joined RTD in 2015 as Manager of Shared Technical Services, implementing device standards that reduced user wait times. In October 2023, he assumed the role of Acting Senior Manager of IT, where he led the TransIT ARCHITECTED initiative, a project that improved operational effectiveness and resulted in an increase in customer satisfaction of the technology division, according to the agency.
Prior to RTD, Feddersen worked at the City of Boulder, where he served as Assistant Director of Application Services. His work in the IT department earned the city recognition from the Center for Digital Government for best practices in citizen engagement and digital solutions.
Feddersen earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Computer Information Systems, from Colorado Mesa University. He received a graduate degree in Leadership and Organizations from the University of Denver, with an emphasis in Strategic Innovation. He has completed the Leading, Educating and Developing (LEAD) leadership development program at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Additionally, Feddersen is a published author of project management books producing review guides and practice exams for both the Project Management Professional (PMP) and CompTIA Project+ certification exams.
Feddersen is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a LEAN IT Professional (LITP), with additional certifications including Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) V3 Foundations. He graduated from the Eno Center for Transportation’s MAX (Eno/MAX) Program in 2022 and RTD’s Leadership Academy in 2019.
USDOT
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on July 23 announced that it will consider the nomination of Michael Rutherford to lead the USDOT’s Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy as the Assistant Secretary for Multimodal Freight. Rutherford has an extensive background in the freight rail industry, having previously help leadership roles at various private transportation and logistics service provider companies, including CSX.
Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) President & CEO Anne Reinke offered the following statement in support of the nomination:
“Michael Rutherford has first-hand experience in the freight transportation industry, meaning that he will bring to this role real-world expertise regarding goods movement and the importance of a seamless, interconnected system. IANA is pleased to support his nomination to become the nation’s first Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Multimodal Freight. I know that Mr. Rutherford’s expertise as a long-time industry practitioner will prove valuable as he guides the nation’s freight policy and programming. Mr. Rutherford will steer this relatively new office at a critical time as Congress and the Administration prepare to reauthorize the nation’s surface transportation programs. IANA looks forward to working closely with Mr. Rutherford and we urge Congress to confirm this important nomination.”
The Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) also congratulated Rutherford on his nomination. CAGTC Executive Director offered the following statement:
“CAGTC applauds the nomination of Michael Rutherford to lead the USDOT Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy, and thanks the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for convening to consider his credentials. The timely nomination, made on March 24, 2025, demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to ensuring the continued success of the Freight Office. As a seasoned freight rail industry leader, Rutherford is well-suited to lead the Freight Office – a critical federal resource to the nation’s supply chain partners who make up the backbone of the U.S. economy. Under Rutherford’s leadership, the Freight Office will build on its important work, applying a national lens to navigate existing and emerging complexities throughout the U.S. freight network by helping the country respond to and mitigate supply chain disruptions, facilitating information sharing among stakeholders, and guiding strategic freight investment and policy decisions.”
