Preusser brings more than 28 years of transit industry experience to RTD, which provides light rail, commuter rail, bus, on-demand, paratransit, airport, and special event services in eight counties. He served most recently as Chief Operating Officer for Utah Transit Authority and has held senior leadership roles with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Additionally, he has managed national passenger rail programs for the Federal Railroad Administration and contributed to international transportation projects in the cities of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Kabul, Afghanistan, according to RTD.
“Over the course of his career, Patrick has been recognized for fostering strong relationships, uniting diverse teams, and guiding organizations through growth, change, and complex service environments,” RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “He brings great knowledge and experience, as well as a deep respect for public service, and he is dedicated to advancing safety, reliability, customer experience, and innovation in public transportation.”
“I am proud to serve an industry that leads the way with innovative mobility solutions, making our communities better places to live, work and play,” Preusser said.
Preusser is a member of the American Public Transportation Association’s Rail Transit Operating Practices Working Group and Bus Operations Committee. In 2022, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg appointed him to the Transit Advisory Committee for Safety, which provides strategic safety guidance to the USDOT and the Federal Transit Administration. Preusser has also participated in the Eno Center for Transportation’s Multi-Agency Exchange Program. He holds master’s degrees in public administration from the University of Southern California and transportation management from the University of Denver, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. He is a certified Project Management Professional and Transit Safety and Security Professional.
Separately, RTD last month announced the appointment of Tim Tyran as Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance and Chief Safety Officer.
