RTD announces Patrick Preusser as its next Chief Operations Officer
Preusser brings more than 28 years of transit experience to oversee bus and rail operations on Sept. 2
DENVER (Aug. 26, 2025) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) announces the appointment of Patrick Preusser as RTD’s Chief Operations Officer (COO). Preusser was selected following a national search and brings more than 28 years of experience at major U.S. transit systems and in cities around the world. He will join RTD on Tuesday, Sept. 2, filling the role that was vacated after the previous COO retired in 2024.
"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. 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," RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said.
Preusser most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of the Utah Transit Authority and has held senior leadership roles with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro). He managed national passenger rail programs for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Preusser also contributed to international transportation projects in the cities of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Kabul, Afghanistan.
"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.
Nationally, Preusser serves as 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, collaborating with peers at RTD, LA Metro, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority, and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.
Preusser 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, credentials that reflect his commitment to safe, reliable, and well-managed transit services. His contributions have been recognized with honors that include the U.S. Secretary of Transportation’s Foreign Service, Excellence, and Team Awards; the FRA’s Meritorious Achievement and Excellence Award; and recognition as one of Mass Transit magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2017.