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CDOT director stepping down to lead transportation advocacy organization

Posted at 9:08 AM, Oct 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-26 11:08:36-04

DENVER – Shailen Bhatt, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, is stepping down.

Governor John Hickenlooper made the announcement Thursday morning. Bhatt is leaving the department to become president and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America, an advocacy organization that promotes technological innovation in transportation.

“It has been a privilege to drive Colorado's and Gov. Hickenlooper's transportation vision for the past three years. While we can point to the many projects we have begun and successfully completed, my highest regards are for the people and relationships we have built,” Bhatt said. “I always say that a DOT exists to save lives and make people’s lives better. It has been an honor to work with the CDOT team and the very many stakeholders whose dedication to live up to that sacred charge is shown every single day on behalf of the people of Colorado.”

Hickenlooper, who appointed Bhatt to lead CDOT in February 2015, praised Bhatt’s work at the department.

“Shailen’s innovation and drive has pushed the Department of Transportation to work tirelessly to stand up a transportation network that can meet the needs of Colorado,” Hickenlooper said. “We wish him the best and can only say ‘watch out’ as he brings his expertise and creativity to a new set of challenges.”

Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Mike Lewis will serve as CDOT’s interim director.