Colorado DOT establishes new office of 'Innovative Mobility'

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) established a new Office of Innovative Mobility. The office will elevate the role of the existing Division of Transit and Rail, integrating its functions with other means of expanding mobility options, including through ridesharing, electrification, and emerging technologies.

The new office, which reports directly to the executive director, will also serve as the lead within CDOT for the Governor's transportation electrification workgroup, which CDOT co-chairs.

Sophie Shulman was chosen to lead this new office, as chief of innovative mobility. Shulman most recently led partnerships and business development at Electrify America, an electric vehicle charging company, and has extensive experience in innovative transportation technologies, including at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she served as the acting assistant secretary for research and technology.

During her time at U.S. DOT, Shulman worked extensively on the $40 million Smart City Challenge grant, which included engagement with many Denver and Colorado stakeholders. Shulman also served at the White House, including as deputy chief of staff at the Domestic Policy Council, and at the U.S. Department of Energy.

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, and airports, and administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service.