RTD-Denver finalizes new CEO contract

The Regional Transportation District of Denver’s (RTD) board finalized a five-year contract with Debra Johnson as the agency’s next general manager and chief executive officer. She will assume the role on Nov. 9. 

The contract terms include an annual salary of $315,000, with cost of living adjustments and potential incentive awards and increases tied to performance goals, RTD officials said in a press release.

Now deputy CEO of the Long Beach Transit bus service in California, Johnson will become the first female CEO in RTD's history.

Johnson succeeds CEO and General Manager Paul Ballard, who assumed the role for an interim period in February.