Transit Systems in Motion: Denver RTD and Spokane's Public Transportation
New Leadership at Denver RTD and Spokane Transit Authority
In the realm of public transportation, two key figures have recently taken on new roles. Timothy Tyran and Karl Otterstrom are making waves in Denver and Spokane, respectively.
Timothy Tyran, a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in aviation and mass transportation across the U.S. and Canada, has been appointed as the Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance and Chief Safety Officer at the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD). Tyran, who previously held significant safety roles at Amtrak, Maryland Transit Administration, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and American Airlines, will be responsible for safeguarding RTD’s employees, customers, facilities, and transit network by managing safety programs, conducting safety and environmental audits, and coordinating with regulatory agencies.
Meanwhile, Karl Otterstom has been appointed as the interim co-CEO and chief planning and development officer at the Spokane Transit Authority (STA), and as the agency's next CEO. Otterstom, a Spokane native, has nearly 20 years of experience in public transportation, with over 15 of those years at STA. He has been instrumental in major initiatives such as the successful launch of the City Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and the delivery of the ten-year strategic plan STA Moving Forward.
In addition to his role at STA, Brett Feddersen has also been appointed as Denver RTD's inaugural chief information and technology officer. Feddersen, who first joined Denver RTD in 2015 as manager of shared technical services and has previously worked at the city of Boulder, Colo., will succeed E. Susan Meyer, who served as CEO from 2005 to 2024. The exact role of Brett Feddersen at Spokane Transit Authority is yet to be specified in the sources.
Both Tyran and Otterstom bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles. Tyran holds a bachelor of science in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University and an associate degree in applied science/avionics technology from the Spartan College of Aeronautics. Otterstom, on the other hand, holds a master of urban planning from the University of Washington and a bachelor of arts in urban and regional planning from Eastern Washington University.
As both Tyran and Otterstom settle into their new roles, they are anticipated to make significant contributions to the safety, efficiency, and growth of public transportation in their respective cities. Otterstom is anticipated to assume the role in August, pending a mutually signed, board approved employment contract.
[1] Denver RTD appoints Timothy Tyran as Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance and Chief Safety Officer
[2] Spokane Transit Authority management team includes Timothy Tyran and Karl Otterstrom
[3] Timothy Tyran chairs the American Public Transportation Association’s Technology for Safety, Security, and Risk Management subcommittee
[4] Brett Feddersen joins Denver RTD as inaugural chief information and technology officer
[5] Karl Otterstrom appointed as the next CEO of Spokane Transit Authority
- The Denver RTD has appointed Timothy Tyran as the Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance and Chief Safety Officer.
- Both Timothy Tyran and Karl Otterstrom are part of the Spokane Transit Authority management team.
- Timothy Tyran chairs the American Public Transportation Association’s Technology for Safety, Security, and Risk Management subcommittee.
- Brett Feddersen has joined Denver RTD as the inaugural chief information and technology officer.
- Karl Otterstrom has been appointed as the next CEO of Spokane Transit Authority.
