Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District (RTD) has appointed Angel Peña as its inaugural Deputy CEO, leading the day-to-day operations and management of multiple departments and divisions, including Capital Programs, Safety and Environmental Compliance, Civil Rights, Contracting and Procurement, and Planning.
He was selected following a national executive search and will start work March 17 at the transit agency, which provides light rail, commuter rail, bus, on-demand, paratransit, airport, and special event services in eight counties.
Peña served most recently as Vice President, Rail and Transit Leader for STV’s Transportation Texas/Mountain Region operating group, collaborating with transit agencies to help improve service delivery, project execution, and long-term infrastructure planning. With nearly 25 years of experience, he has held senior leadership roles at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) in Washington, D.C.
Peña holds a Master of Science in engineering management from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Universidad Yacambú in Venezuela. He is a graduate of the Leadership American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Class of 2017.
“Angel’s extensive background in transforming transit infrastructure, enhancing operational performance, and rebuilding public trust has prepared him well for this pivotal leadership role at RTD,” said Debra A. Johnson, Denver RTD General Manager and CEO. “I am excited to have him join our team of talented and passionate public transit professionals, where he can leverage his talents, expertise, and industry background to help address RTD’s current challenges and prepare the agency for the future.”
“I am honored to join RTD and work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to serving the Denver metro region,” Peña said. “I recognize the challenges that may exist and see numerous opportunities for enhancing the services provided to customers, whom I look forward to meeting when I ride on the system. I am joining RTD during a pivotal time when the agency is focused on initiatives aimed at improving reliability, maintaining assets, and ensuring customers are satisfied with bus and rail services. Through extensive two-way dialogue and customer engagement, we will ensure the transit system reflects the values and aspirations of the communities we serve.”
Separately, the Denver RTD Board of Directors in December adopted the agency’s $1.2 billion budget for 2025.
