Regional Transportation District Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Regional Transportation District has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, and human resources.

Committed to providing reliable public transit across eight counties, Regional Transportation District delivers essential mobility solutions while fostering sustainable growth and community connectivity throughout the Denver metropolitan area.

Leadership Roles at Regional Transportation District

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ray Radtke
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Angel Peña
  • Chief Financial Officer - Maureen Reich
  • Chief Operating Officer - Todd Smith
  • President - Chau Joseph
  • Chief of Staff - John McKay
  • Lead, Public Safety Dispatcher- Chief Technology Officer - John Ambroz
  • Manager, Board Operations & Deputy Chief of Staff - Parish Taishrae
  • Chief Operations Officer - Patrick Preusser
  • Chief People Officer - Charlene Polege
  • Ray Radtke - Chief Executive Officer

    Ray Radtke, the Chief Executive Officer at Regional Transportation District, directs the overarching strategic vision for public transit services across eight counties. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring alignment with regional mobility goals. By overseeing the executive team, Radtke drives operational excellence and long-term infrastructure planning. The Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on fiscal responsibility while expanding service accessibility for the Denver community. Through constant evaluation of transit performance metrics, Radtke ensures the organization meets evolving passenger demands. Ray Radtke also coordinates with local government entities to secure funding and support for critical transit projects. This executive oversight guarantees that the agency remains a cornerstone of regional transportation, providing efficient, safe, and reliable travel options for all residents. By prioritizing innovation and sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer shapes the future of public transit in Colorado.

    Angel Peña - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Angel Peña, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Regional Transportation District, manages daily administrative functions and supports the execution of agency-wide strategic initiatives. This role involves bridging communication between departments to ensure operational cohesion across the eight-county service area. By supervising cross-functional teams, Peña optimizes internal processes and enhances service delivery efficiency. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer monitors project timelines and resource allocation to maintain high standards of public service. Angel Peña also collaborates with the executive leadership to implement policy changes that improve transit reliability. Through rigorous oversight of organizational workflows, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer mitigates operational risks and fosters a culture of accountability. This position requires constant engagement with departmental heads to align daily activities with the broader mission of the agency. By streamlining internal operations, Peña ensures the organization remains responsive to the dynamic needs of the Denver metropolitan transit network.

    Maureen Reich - Chief Financial Officer

    Maureen Reich, the Chief Financial Officer at Regional Transportation District, oversees the financial health and fiscal planning of the agency. This role involves managing the annual budget, capital investment strategies, and long-term financial forecasting for the eight-county transit system. By directing accounting and procurement departments, Reich ensures compliance with regulatory standards and fiscal transparency. The Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain the agency's economic stability. Maureen Reich also collaborates with the Board to secure funding for major infrastructure projects and service expansions. Through rigorous financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer identifies cost-saving measures and optimizes resource allocation across all departments. This position requires constant engagement with external auditors and financial institutions to support the agency's credit rating and investment capacity. By maintaining a robust financial framework, Reich enables the organization to continue delivering essential public transit services to the Denver metropolitan area.

    Todd Smith - Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Smith, the Chief Operating Officer at Regional Transportation District, manages the maintenance and reliability of the rail and bus fleet across the Denver region. This role involves overseeing daily transit operations to ensure adherence to safety standards and service schedules. By directing maintenance teams and logistics, Smith optimizes the performance of the entire transportation network. The Chief Operating Officer monitors fleet health and infrastructure integrity to minimize service disruptions for passengers. Todd Smith also implements preventative maintenance programs that extend the lifespan of critical transit assets. Through data-driven analysis of route efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for service improvements and capacity expansion. This leadership position requires constant coordination with field operations to address real-time challenges and maintain high levels of service quality. By focusing on operational excellence, Smith ensures the agency provides consistent and dependable transit options for the eight-county service area.

    Chau Joseph - President

    Chau Joseph, the President at Regional Transportation District, provides high-level leadership and represents the agency in regional and national transit forums. This role involves advocating for public transportation interests and building partnerships with government agencies to support long-term transit development. By overseeing the executive team, Joseph ensures that the agency's mission remains focused on providing reliable and sustainable mobility solutions for the Denver region. The President monitors the overall performance of the organization and guides the development of strategic plans that address future transit needs. Chau Joseph also engages with community leaders to ensure the agency's services align with the evolving requirements of the eight-county service area. Through visionary leadership, the President drives the agency's commitment to innovation and service quality. This position requires a deep understanding of the transportation industry to navigate complex policy environments and secure the resources necessary for continued growth and operational success.

    John McKay - Chief of Staff

    John McKay, the Chief of Staff at Regional Transportation District, coordinates executive communications and manages the flow of information between the leadership team and the Board. This role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and ensuring that strategic priorities receive appropriate attention. By overseeing the administrative office, McKay streamlines internal operations and supports the implementation of agency policies. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison for external partners and community stakeholders, maintaining transparency and alignment with regional transit goals. John McKay also organizes executive meetings and tracks progress on key performance indicators to ensure organizational objectives remain on schedule. Through meticulous management of executive schedules and priorities, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall effectiveness of the leadership team. This position requires a deep understanding of the agency's operational landscape to provide actionable insights and support for the Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders.

    John Ambroz - Lead, Public Safety Dispatcher- Chief Technology Officer

    John Ambroz, the Lead, Public Safety Dispatcher- Chief Technology Officer at Regional Transportation District, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity protocols for the agency. This role involves modernizing transit technology systems to improve passenger information services and operational connectivity. By overseeing the IT department, Ambroz ensures the reliability of communication networks and data management systems. The Chief Technology Officer implements advanced software solutions that enhance the efficiency of public safety dispatching and emergency response coordination. John Ambroz also manages the integration of new technologies into the existing transit fleet to support real-time tracking and service monitoring. Through strategic investment in digital tools, the Chief Technology Officer protects the agency's data assets and improves the overall user experience for transit riders. This position requires constant evaluation of emerging technologies to maintain a competitive and secure technological environment for the entire eight-county transit network.

    Parish Taishrae - Manager, Board Operations & Deputy Chief of Staff

    Parish Taishrae, the Manager, Board Operations & Deputy Chief of Staff at Regional Transportation District, facilitates the governance processes and administrative support for the Board of Directors. This role involves organizing board meetings, managing official records, and ensuring compliance with public meeting regulations. By coordinating between the Board and the executive leadership, Taishrae ensures that policy decisions align with the agency's strategic mission. The Manager, Board Operations & Deputy Chief of Staff also assists in the preparation of board materials and tracks the implementation of board-approved initiatives. Parish Taishrae provides essential support to the Chief of Staff by managing special projects and streamlining internal communications. Through meticulous attention to governance and administrative detail, the Manager, Board Operations & Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of the agency's decision-making processes. This position requires a deep understanding of public sector operations to effectively support the Board and executive team.

    Patrick Preusser - Chief Operations Officer

    Patrick Preusser, the Chief Operations Officer at Regional Transportation District, focuses on the strategic expansion and optimization of bus transit routes and service frequency. This role involves analyzing passenger demand patterns to adjust service levels and improve route efficiency across the Denver metropolitan area. By directing the bus operations division, Preusser ensures that daily transit services meet the needs of the community while maintaining safety and reliability. The Chief Operations Officer monitors driver performance and service quality to uphold the agency's standards. Patrick Preusser also collaborates with urban planners to integrate bus services with other modes of transportation, such as light rail. Through continuous improvement of operational workflows, the Chief Operations Officer enhances the accessibility and convenience of the transit network. This position requires constant engagement with field staff to address service challenges and implement innovative solutions that support the agency's commitment to reliable public transportation.

    Charlene Polege - Chief People Officer

    Charlene Polege, the Chief People Officer at Regional Transportation District, manages human resources strategy, talent acquisition, and employee development programs. This role involves fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring the agency attracts and retains a skilled workforce to support transit operations. By overseeing labor relations and benefits administration, Polege ensures compliance with employment laws and promotes employee well-being. The Chief People Officer implements training initiatives that enhance the professional capabilities of staff across all departments. Charlene Polege also leads diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to ensure the workforce reflects the diverse communities served by the agency. Through effective talent management, the Chief People Officer supports the organization's ability to deliver high-quality public transit services. This position requires constant engagement with department heads to address staffing needs and promote organizational health. By prioritizing the workforce, Polege enables the agency to maintain a high standard of service excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Regional Transportation District Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Regional Transportation District?
    Regional Transportation District is led by Ray Radtke (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Angel Peña (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and Maureen Reich (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Regional Transportation District’s executive team?
    The executive team of Regional Transportation District includes leaders such as Ray Radtke (Chief Executive Officer), Angel Peña (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Maureen Reich (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Regional Transportation District have?
    Regional Transportation District has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Regional Transportation District’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Regional Transportation District includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.