RTD names Candace Smith as its Chief Communications and Engagement Officer
DENVER (Aug. 18, 2026) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has named Candace Smith as its Chief Communications and Engagement Officer (CCEO), effective Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Smith, an award-winning communications executive, most recently served as Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs and Strategic Communications at the University of Colorado Boulder, one of the nation's leading public research universities. In this role, she oversaw media relations, crisis and issues management, executive and strategic communications, and editorial strategy, while advising university leadership on reputation, stakeholder engagement, and complex communications challenges.
With more than 25 years of experience spanning higher education, public transportation, and journalism, Smith has built and led high-performing communications teams, developed integrated reputation and marketing strategies, and served as a trusted adviser to senior leaders navigating both opportunities and crises. Her career has included leadership roles at the University of Colorado Boulder, George Washington University, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, as well as a journalism career in Washington, D.C., and New York.
“Candace’s extensive background in public affairs and strategic communications will strengthen RTD’s ability to engage the communities served with transparency and purpose. Her leadership will reinforce the agency’s commitment to delivering a reliable, customer-centered experience as RTD explores transit options that will best serve the needs of customers and stakeholders in the long-term,” Debra A. Johnson, General Manager and CEO said. “I look forward to the positive impact she will have on advancing RTD’s mission of making lives better through connections.”
Smith has guided communications strategy for nationally significant issues, major research initiatives, federal policy developments, and landmark events, including the Sundance Film Festival partnership and the university's 150th anniversary celebration.
Throughout her career, Smith has earned numerous honors for excellence in strategic communications, media relations, storytelling, video production, integrated marketing and communications campaigns, and journalism, including a RTNDA Edward R. Murrow award. She is an active member of the Arthur W. Page Society, the Association of American Universities Public Affairs Network, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Council on Strategic Communications, the Public Relations Society of America, and other leading professional organizations.
She holds a Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership, Public Relations, and Marketing from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University.
In her role as CCEO, Candace will oversee the Communications and Engagement Department, which encompasses Community Engagement, Public and Media Relations, Marketing, and Customer Care functions.