DENVER -- The Regional Transportation District on Tuesday tabbed the former leader of a Texas transit agency to take the reins of the metro Denver system while it searches for a permanent general manager and CEO.
Paul Ballard was among five finalists for interim general manager announced by RTD on Jan. 9 after the elected board of directors culled through more than 40 applications. Dave Genova, an RTD veteran who filled the top job for nearly four years, retired Jan. 20.
RTD’s elected board voted 9-6 to hire Ballard, with a target of Feb. 12 for negotiating his short-term contract. Several directors voiced their disagreement, reflecting diverging opinions during nearly three hours of debate behind closed doors.
Ballard, who retired last year from his job as president and CEO of the Trinity Metro transit agency in Fort Worth, Texas, indicated in his application that he did not intend to seek RTD’s permanent position.
Board Chair Angie Rivera-Malpiede said Ballard, with decades of experience at several transit systems, was well-suited to steer RTD through a time of transition. “We look forward to working with him in the months ahead,” she said in a statement.
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