Virginia DRPT Welcomes New Chief of Public Transportation

Jennifer DeBruhl has joined the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), beginning this week in the newly created position of chief of public transportation. 

Based in DRPT’s Richmond headquarters, DeBruhl will provide leadership in the development, execution and evaluation of all DRPT public transportation and congestion management initiatives, including: planning studies, program management, grants administration, and project development and delivery. She will also oversee a six-year, $2.8 billion portfolio of public transportation, commuter assistance and congestion management programs throughout the Commonwealth.

DeBruhl comes to DRPT following distinguished public service to the transportation community, serving both at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Prior to her most recent service as the deputy district administrator for VDOT’s Richmond District, DeBruhl was also VDOT’s director of local assistance, serving as the lead policy liaison to local government. During her time at FHWA, she provided technical assistance and oversight of planning and programming in the Virginia Division Office of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and was an instructor for the National Highway Institute (NHI) leading metropolitan planning and transportation finance courses.

DeBruhl has an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies, a Master’s Degree in Regional Planning and a Certificate in Public Management from Virginia Commonwealth University; she is a graduate of VDOT’s Executive Leadership Program.