The former head of a Texas transit agency will serve as the new interim general manager and CEO of the Regional Transportation District, RTD's board of directors announced Jan. 28.

Paul Ballard will replace Dave Genvoa as head of the agency, concluding a monthslong search that included more than 40 applicants.

Ballard's half-century of service in transportation, leadership and ideas put him ahead of the pack, RTD Chair Angie Rivera-Malpiede said in a news release.

“My board colleagues and I think that Mr. Ballard will skillfully lead us into RTD's next era while also ensuring that the agency's employees remain focused on their service to the public,” Rivera-Malpiede says. “On behalf of every board member, we want to thank the community for its input as part of this process. We look forward to working with him in the months ahead.”

Ballard retired as the chief executive of Trinity Metro in Fort Worth, Texas, last year. Before that, Ballard was the CEO of Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee — more than 45 years as general manager, CEO or president of public- and private-sector transit systems, according to the release. He replaces Genova, who served RTD for 26 years, the last four as GM and CEO.

Ballard takes charge of RTD during a tumultuous time for the transportation district as it mulls cutting service lines to accommodate a shortage in bus drivers and light rail operators.

Ballard was chosen from among five finalists. The others were Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet; Amy Ford, director of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America's Mobility on Demand Alliance; Michael Ford, RTD chief operating officer; and Mike Meader, RTD chief safety and security officer.

RTD was founded in 1969 to develop, operate and maintain a mass transportation system in Denver. RTD currently serves 3.08 million in 2,342 square miles across eight Denver-area counties.