The Regional Transportation District (RTD), which oversees transit operations in the Denver metropolitan area, faces internal conflict centered on one of its directors, JoyAnn Ruscha.
Chair Julien Bouquet of the RTD board is contemplating disciplinary measures against Ruscha, citing concerns that the director has been ‘unprofessional and demeaning’ towards both staff and fellow board members.
This issue gained momentum following a complaint signed by eight members of the 15-member board, prompting the chair to meet with Ruscha.
In a letter dated May 30, which was later obtained by The Denver Post, Bouquet expressed his intentions to consider disciplinary action, adding his concerns regarding Ruscha’s interactions within the board and with the agency staff.
According to Bouquet’s letter, the director’s behavior reflects a pattern inconsistent with RTD’s agency values, emphasizing issues with communication style and respect towards colleagues and staff.
Ruscha, elected to represent a northeastern section of Denver in 2022, has defended their approach, suggesting that criticisms stem from differing perspectives regarding equity issues and the treatment of frontline employees rather than genuine misconduct.
In a response to queries about the situation, Ruscha explained, ‘My perspectives may reflect a different view from some of my colleagues, but this is not a failure to collaborate or contribute constructively.
Critiquing policy and offering an independent view is a key part of healthy governance and a democratic society.’
As the situation unfolds, the timeline for potential sanctions from the chair remains unspecified.
Bouquet’s letter pointed to specific incidents, such as an email from Ruscha to fellow board member Brett Paglieri, which criticized him for his perceived lack of commitment to policy matters on the committee.
‘If you do not have time to serve on the board, I strongly suggest resigning so that someone else could put in the work,’ Ruscha wrote in the contentious email.
This message, highlighted by the chair, was described as ‘condescending in tone’ and a personal attack on Paglieri’s professionalism.
In response, Ruscha expressed regret in a later statement, acknowledging that their feedback was not constructive, while emphasizing their commitment to treating others with kindness and respect.
The tension between Ruscha and other board members, particularly following this incident, has led to discussions about the director’s chairmanship of the Operations, Safety and Security Committee.
Several board members have vocalized their concerns regarding Ruscha’s leadership style, with Paglieri suggesting that Ruscha’s behavior has created a mistrust within the committee.
‘It’s not collaboration with JoyAnn — it’s absolutism,’ Paglieri remarked, indicating that there is a need for Ruscha to step down from their committee chair position.
Contrarily, some board members have come to Ruscha’s defense, highlighting the valuable contributions they bring to RTD.
Board member Michael Guzman described Ruscha as ‘highly intelligent’ and ‘zealously represent[ing] District B’, suggesting that they adeptly manage committee discussions, even under pressure.
Director Ian Harwick also highlighted Ruscha’s unwavering commitment to equity and justice, indicating that directness can often be misinterpreted as harshness.
The matter was first brought to a head by a letter dated May 1 from eight RTD directors requesting an investigation into Ruscha’s conduct.
One of the signatories, newly elected Director Chris Nicholson, stated, ‘Directors have to hold ourselves to a high standard, and the board has to hold each other to a high standard — and when we fail to do that, we let down the public that elected us.’
Nicholson expressed that while he appreciates Ruscha personally, their professional behavior had fallen short of expectations.
Despite the ongoing issues, some directors argue that specific incidents could stem from mere differences in style rather than objective wrongdoings.
Karen Benker, who is newly elected to the board, articulated that while Ruscha’s communication could have been more tactful, she didn’t believe their behavior was egregious enough to warrant the attention it has received.
Benker’s sentiments indicate a broader conversation about the civility within the board, contrasting the current situation with more severe historical cases of misconduct, such as the 1998 censure of Director Jack McCroskey for his disruptive actions.
In discussing Ruscha’s situation, Benker noted, ‘From here on out, [Ruscha] needs to be more sensitive to these things,’ while also emphasizing the importance of giving them a chance to improve.
As the board prepares for a potential disciplinary response, the atmosphere remains charged, with directors on both sides debating not just the impact of Ruscha’s actions, but what those actions reveal about the agency’s culture and functioning.
The ongoing developments reflect both personal dynamics and broader implications for governance, advocacy, and accountability within the RTD board as members navigate these complex interpersonal and organizational challenges.
image source from：https://www.denverpost.com/2025/06/14/rtd-board-member-complaints-joyann-ruscha/
