Tom Tobiassen, RTD board member, excitedly makes his way on to first of four stainless steel cars during a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 2 at Denver Union Station. The cars will transport passengers from Denver Union Station to Denver International Airport have arrived from their assembly plant in Philadelphia and they promise to get passengers to or from the airport in 35 minutes.The East Rail line will make six stops during its 23-mile trip from Denver to DIA and will connect light rail lines throughout the metro region, including Aurora's Interstate 225 line. (Marla R. Keown/Aurora Sentinel)

AURORA | Aurora RTD district director Tom Tobiassen was chosen as the new chairman of the RTD board of directors for 2016.

RTD officials say the choice is timely since Aurora’s new “R” line is expected to start rolling with passengers later this year.

This year, RTD will launch five new transit lines opening, something no other transit agency has accomplished in a single year, officials said.

“I am honored to be entrusted by my fellow Board members to lead the Board of Directors as we move into a very big year for RTD and the region with the opening of four rail and one, now open, bus rapid transit corridors,” Tobiassen said in a statement. “I look forward to working with my fellow Board members, our RTD family and our constituents in a responsive, respectful and collaborative manner. Big things are happening at RTD in 2016 and it is tremendously exciting to be part of this historic time.”

Tobiassen was elected to the RTD board in 2008. He represents District F, located in the eastern portion of RTD and represents the largest portion of Aurora and portions of nearby unincorporated Arapahoe County. He is a Systems Engineer with Zeta Associates, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, University College in 1988.

Tobiassen’s other accomplishments include: Board member, Sand Creek Regional Greenway Foundation;  President and Founder of Bicycle Aurora, Head Area Coordinator, Mission Viejo Neighborhood Watch; Mass Care Volunteer, American Red Cross, Mile High Chapter. Tobiassen previously served on the Aurora Planning Comission, was Chairman of City of Aurora Citizens’ Water Advisory Committee, and was a past Secretary on the City of Aurora Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee. He and his wife, Carol, have been married for 40 years and have two children, Kristen and Michael.

Other RTD board officers for 2016 are:
1st Vice Chair, Larry Hoy,  2nd Vice Chair, Barbara Deadwyler,  Secretary, Paul Solano, and Treasurer, Tina Francone

One reply on “Aurora RTD director Tom Tobiassen tabbed as board chairman”

  1. Congrats, Tom! You’ve served our community so well on the RTD Board- happy to hear that you’ll get to lead the board in such a monumental year!

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