People on the move: Denver RTD, Keolis North America, City of Baltimore, Alstom, NCRTD
The Denver Regional Transit District (RTD), Keolis North America, the city of Baltimore, Alstom and the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) announced changes to their respective leadership teams.
Denver RTD
Denver RTD has named Angel Peña as the agency’s inaugural deputy CEO following a national executive search. Peña brings nearly 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. In this role, he will be tasked with advancing the agency’s vision for an operationally safe, reliable and customer-focused transit system. He will lead the day-to-day operations and management of multiple Denver RTD departments and divisions, including capital programs, safety and environmental compliance, civil rights, contracting and procurement and planning.
“Angel’s extensive background in transforming transit infrastructure, enhancing operational performance and rebuilding public trust has prepared him well for this pivotal leadership role at [Denver] RTD,” said Denver RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. “I am excited to have him join our team of talented and passionate public transit professionals, where he can leverage his talents, expertise and industry background to help address [Denver] RTD’s current challenges and prepare the agency for the future.”
Denver RTD notes that Peña, a bilingual customer experience and results-driven transit executive, has made significant contributions in the public and private sectors. The agency says his leadership has been instrumental in managing teams and infrastructure projects at some of the U.S.’s largest transit systems. Peña held senior leadership roles at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the District Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.
Peña’s private sector leadership experience includes serving as vice president, rail and transit leader for the Texas/Mountain Region at STV, Inc. In his role at STV, he collaborated with transit agencies across the region, leveraging his public sector insights to help improve service delivery, project execution and long-term infrastructure planning.
"I am honored to join [Denver] RTD and work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to serving the Denver metro region,” Peña said. “I recognize the challenges that may exist and see numerous opportunities for enhancing the services provided to customers, whom I look forward to meeting when I ride on the system. I am joining [Denver] RTD during a pivotal time when the agency is focused on initiatives aimed at improving reliability, maintaining assets and ensuring customers are satisfied with bus and rail services. Through extensive two-way dialogue and customer engagement, we will ensure the transit system reflects the values and aspirations of the communities we serve."
Peña holds a Master of Science in engineering management from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Universidad Yacambú in Venezuela. He is a graduate of the Leadership American Public Transportation Association Class of 2017 and was recognized in Mass Transit magazine’s 40 Under 40 for his contributions to the industry.
Peña will start in the role of Denver RTD's deputy CEO on March 17.
Keolis North America
Paul D’Alessio has joined Keolis North America as vice president and general manager of Keolis’ Valley Metro operations in the East Valley (Tempe and Mesa, Ariz.). D’Alessio brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in global transportation, including light rail, fixed route, metropolitan rail, regional intercity rail, bus and aviation operations. He will report directly to the COO of Keolis’ U.S. transit business and play a key role in advancing operational performance, employee engagement and passenger experience in Tempe and Mesa.
D’Alessio joins Keolis from Yarra Trams in Melbourne, Australia, where he served as COO. His tenure was marked by exceptional results, including record-setting driver recruitment and training efforts, operational improvements and safety initiatives. Under his leadership, Yarra Trams’ operations achieved key performance indicators, improved employee engagement and delivered the highest customer satisfaction rating among all transport operators, as measured by the public transport authority.
“Paul’s extensive experience in global transit operations, coupled with his track record of improving safety, performance and customer satisfaction, makes him an excellent addition to the Keolis team,” said Keolis North America President and CEO Brad Thomas. “His leadership will be instrumental in supporting Valley Metro’s mission to provide safe, reliable and innovative transit solutions to the communities we serve.”
Keolis North America says D’Alessio’s hands-on approach and deep expertise in operational management will further its strong partnership with Valley Metro. His leadership will focus on driver recruitment, safety and training programs and enhancing the overall transit experience for passengers.
“I am excited to join Keolis and lead the Valley Metro operation at such a pivotal time,” D’Alessio said. “Public transit plays a critical role in the vitality of our cities, and I look forward to working alongside the talented Keolis and Valley Metro teams to deliver safe, efficient and customer-focused service.”
City of Baltimore
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott swore in Veronica P. McBeth as the director of the Baltimore Department of Transportation and Jon Laria as the Baltimore Planning Commission chair.
"Director McBeth is no stranger to Baltimore or the challenges and opportunities of leading a transportation agency in a major city. With over 20 years of experience in transportation planning and policy, including a presidential appointment to the U.S. Department of Transportation, she has built a career on delivering innovative and equitable solutions. She has worked at every level of government, helping to shape policies that make transportation safer, more efficient and more accessible. We know that transportation is the backbone of any thriving city. Transportation connects residents to jobs, education, healthcare and opportunity. It fuels our local economy, helps businesses grow and communities thrive. We need and will have a strong visionary leader at our Department of Transportation," Scott said.
“Leadership that understands that transportation is not just about roads, bridges and buses, but about people, safety, equity and opportunity. Transportation is one of the most powerful tools we have to create opportunity, connect communities and build a stronger Baltimore. Veronica understands the unique transportation needs of our city and has the experience to make lasting, positive change."
Scott also highlighted how Laria’s previous experience will serve him well in his new position.
"Chair Laria brings a wealth of experience in real estate, land use and transit advocacy expertise that will be invaluable as we work to build a more equitable and thriving Baltimore. His leadership on key transition teams for my administration, Comptroller [Bill] Henry and Gov. [Wes] Moore demonstrates his deep commitment to public service and thoughtful urban development," Scott said. “As chair of the Baltimore Regional Transit Commission, Jon has strongly advocated for better transportation options, which directly ties into our planning goals for a more connected city. I have no doubt that the Planning Commission will help shape a Baltimore that is more inclusive, sustainable and forward-thinking under Jon's leadership."
Alstom
Alstom has appointed Marcella Hoffmann as chief human resources officer, effective July 1, 2025. She succeeds Helen Bradley, who will depart the company for personal reasons.
“We are delighted to welcome Marcella Hoffmann to Alstom’s leadership team. Her extensive experience across multiple roles and divisions within Airbus will be of great value and support Alstom’s development moving forward,” said Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge.
Hoffmann joins Alstom from Airbus Defence and Space, where she served as executive vice president human resources and head of human resources for Airbus Germany. She brings over 20 years of experience at Airbus, leading human resources for various functions, including engineering, production, sales and customer services. Hoffmann also led the global HR business partner and talent and executive management organization for the commercial aircraft business.
“I am delighted and feel very privileged to be joining Alstom, a world leader in sustainable transportation,” Hoffmann said. “I am looking forward to working with Alstom’s talented, innovative teams worldwide, as this great company rises to the challenges and opportunities for the future.”
“We thank Helen Bradley for her leadership and dedication during her time with us. Helen spearheaded the launch of several critical projects to support our transformation goals and growth. We wish her the best in her future endeavors,” Poupart-Lafarge said.
NCRTD
NCRTD Executive Director Anthony J. Mortillaro will be retiring from the agency June 30, 2025, concluding a tenure marked by significant growth and innovation since the agency’s inception 20 years ago.
Since joining the district in 2011, Mortillaro has been instrumental in expanding NCRTD's services, increasing ridership and implementing innovative transportation solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural, semi urban and tribal communities.
Under his leadership, the district introduced the MyBlue on-demand rideshare services in Taos and Española, N.M., and initiated plans to acquire 16 electric and nine hybrid electric buses and vans as part of the adopted Zero Emissions Transition plan and a planned rural rapid transit route between Taos and Santa Fe.
Mortillaro oversaw the construction and opening of a maintenance facility at the district’s Española headquarters, which has greatly enhanced the efficiency and safety of NCRTD’s operations. Plans are also underway to open a similar facility in Taos in 2025, with future facilities planned for Santa Fe, as well as the expansion and renovation of the Jim West Transit Center.
NCRTD Board Chair Lee Garcia praised Mortillaro's dedication, stating, "Tony's unwavering commitment, financial acuity and visionary leadership have transformed NCRTD into a model of excellence in public transportation. His efforts have not only enhanced mobility across our region but have also set a standard for community focused transit services."
Reflecting on his tenure, Mortillaro expressed, "Serving the North Central New Mexico community has been a profound honor. I am grateful to have worked alongside a dedicated team and supportive board members from our across our district boundaries in delivering services that make a meaningful difference in people's lives."
The NCRTD Board will initiate a comprehensive search for a new executive director.
Brandon Lewis | Associate Editor
Brandon Lewis is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lewis is a former freelance editorial assistant at Vehicle Service Pros in Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group. Lewis brings his knowledge of web managing, copyediting and SEO practices to Mass Transit Magazine as an associate editor. He is also a co-host of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast.
