The Denver Regional Transportation District's (RTD) board of directors voted to enter into contract negotiations with Phil Washington to serve as the agency's new GM/CEO.

Washington has been the interim GM since the departure of Cal Marsella in July. Prior to his appointment to the interim position, he served as RTD's assistant GM, administration, for nine years, where his responsibilities included overseeing the finance, procurement, information technology, human resources, treasury and disadvantaged business enterprise departments.

Washington was one of three finalists announced by the board last week. The other finalists were British Columbia Rapid Transit Co. President/CEO Douglas Kelsey and former top United Airlines executive Sean Donohue.

The decision by the board follows a six-month national search and extensive public input process locally.