Mackey will be charged with leading RTD’s finance, accounting, treasury, investment, and asset management teams, according to the transit agency, which provides light rail, commuter rail, bus, on-demand, paratransit, airport, vanpool and special event services in eight counties. She will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening capital planning, and positioning the agency for long-term financial resilience.
“Mackey believes that finance plays a crucial role in building public trust and will ensure that RTD’s investments align with community needs and strategic priorities,” RTD said in its May 6 announcement. “Throughout her career, Mackey has been known for her ability to bridge technical finance with broader mission outcomes, such as translating data into insightful and actionable information, improving decision-makers’ access to financial information, and aligning budgetary processes with long-term strategic plans. She is also deeply committed to supporting RTD’s workforce and fostering a culture of empowerment, accountability, and continuous improvement.”
Most recently, Mackey served as Vice President of Finance at Trellix, a global enterprise cybersecurity firm. In that role, she was a key leader for financial planning and analysis, product line restructuring, and merger-and-acquisition readiness. Previously, she was Vice President of Revenue Operations at GHX, a Colorado-based healthcare supply chain software firm, where she led digital transformation initiatives, streamlined financial operations, and successfully integrated multiple acquisitions.
Mackey also spent 15 years at Staples, holding multiple leadership roles supporting the company’s B2B e-commerce distribution and delivery business. “Mackey’s leadership enabled measurable improvements in financial discipline and operational efficiency across supply chain, customer experience, and field operations,” RTD reported. “She led an 88-person team for the organization, driving operational execution, data-driven decisions, and planning for one of North America’s largest private delivery networks.
“She also was instrumental in leading customer innovation at Staples, supporting the firm’s transition under new ownership, and collaborating with management consulting partners to drive transformative go-to-market and organizational redesign strategies. This stewardship impacted approximately 3,000 associates and 150,000 business customers. She integrated advanced planning methods, Lean Six Sigma process design, and system enhancements across business channels—skills Mackey plans to utilize in leading RTD’s complex operational and service delivery environment.”
Mackey intends to bring “a private-sector discipline and transparency to RTD’s public finance, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and in service of positive outcomes for all communities,” according to RTD.
A Certified Public Accountant and an alumna of Harvard Business School through the Advanced Management Program, Mackey holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. She earned a Bachelor of Science in finance, summa cum laude, with a minor in Spanish from Oral Roberts University.
“I am excited to have Kelly’s dedication and commitment to RTD’s employees and customers at a time when the agency is focused on the Strategic Priority of Financial Success and the Strategic Initiative of Back to Basics,” RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “Her more than two decades of experience and leadership will ensure the agency can continue to successfully manage its financial resources.”
“Transit is a vital connector for our communities, and sound financial leadership is essential to achieving the agency’s ambitious vision,” Mackey said. “I look forward to partnering with our Board, leadership team, and employees to enhance fiscal transparency, strengthen operations, and build a resilient financial foundation—rooted in public trust and aligned with the values of the communities we serve.”
In related developments, RTD in February 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. In April, Steve Martingano transitioned to Chief of Police and Emergency Management at RTD.
