Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International has elevated Devendra Kumar to CIO, responsible for overseeing information technology strategy and ensuring that the firm’s technology infrastructure aligns with its goals. He will lead the Information Technology Services team, continue to drive the firm’s use of technologies like generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and prioritize data security and compliance efforts.
With nearly 30 years of IT experience, Kumar joined Michael Baker International in 2022 and served most recently as Interim CIO. During his tenure, he has led digital initiatives, including developing an AI-powered proposals chatbot and establishing a user community for Power BI and M365 Copilot, among other projects. Previously, Kumar was Head of Digital Office for Black & Veatch Corporation, where he was responsible for establishing and defining digital practices and delivering complex digital products and solutions to business and internal clients, including customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) modernization, and Finance and human resources (HR) process improvements, among others.
Kumar holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in computer science and engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.
“In the three years since Devendra has joined Michael Baker, he has collaborated with colleagues across the enterprise and with key partners to develop strategies for digital transformation, automation and data,” Micheal Baker International CEO Brian A. Lutes said. “I look forward to partnering with Devendra as we leverage transformative technology to shape the future of our company and our nation’s infrastructure.”
In related developments, Michael Baker International recently promoted Joanne Tyler to Office Executive-Carlsbad, Calif., and hired Aaron Gies as Vice President, Health and Safety.
Denver RTD
Steve Martingano on May 13 will take on the role of Chief of Police and Emergency Management at Denver RTD.
He was named the agency’s Acting Co-Chief of Police and Emergency Management last year, and subsequently assumed sole responsibility for the department in February. Under Martingano’s leadership, Denver RTD has implemented a four-step action plan focused on visibility, customer education, fare enforcement, and technology. In March, the agency announced a 50% year-over-year reduction in security-related calls for service, as well as an increase in fare enforcement on the rail system. The agency also recently announced a 60% reduction in calls at Denver Union Station. To reinforce community safety, Denver RTD said, Martingano has been on the forefront of expanding its police department from five officers three years ago to nearly 100 sworn officers today.
Martingano joined Denver RTD in 2015 as a commander and was elevated to Deputy Chief in 2017. During his tenure, he has worked to modernize the transit agency’s police deployment and response model by introducing sector policing. Martingano also pioneered the first mental health co-responder unit in transit policing, a program that was later expanded to include unhoused outreach coordinators, according to Denver RTD. These efforts led him to co-found the National Transportation Vulnerable Populations Working Group, and he is a subject-matter expert for American Public Transportation Association (APTA) peer review panels focused on policing and security.
Martingano earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from St. John’s University, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 287, and will receive a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia next month. He began his law enforcement career in 1992 as a police cadet in New York City, and he served as a police officer at the 104 precinct in Queens, N.Y.
“Having Steve’s continued dedication and commitment at RTD is a big win for the agency’s employees and customers,” Denver RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “He is permanently assuming the role at a time when the agency is doubling down on its efforts to create a welcoming transit environment and gaining a lot of ground. His decades of experience and leadership will ensure the agency can continue to enhance personal safety and security across RTD’s entire service area.”
“I am deeply honored to have been selected for this important role at the Regional Transportation District,” Martingano said. “I promise to lead with integrity and transparency while fostering accountability and building trust. I am committed to serving all members of the community in support of RTD’s efforts to grow its police department and be recognized as the premier law enforcement agency in the metro area.”
