The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has appointed David Spector as new Director of the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE).

David Spector takes the helm from outgoing Director of HPTE, Michael Cheroutes, who served in the role as the first head of the HPTE from its inception in 2010. Spector will officially join HPTE mid-October.

David Spector joins CDOT after having served in Gov. John Hickenlooper's administration for almost two years, as Senior Deputy Legal Counsel and as Interim Chief Legal Counsel. His legal work in both the public and private sectors includes a broad range of experience in transportation project development, finance and public-private partnerships, as well as land use, hospitality, governance, energy and municipal law. Spector played key roles on the teams that structured, financed and developed RTD's Eagle P3 rail project and the redevelopment of Denver Union Station.

Tim Gagen, chairman of the HPTE Board of Directors, stated:

"We are very fortunate to have someone of David's caliber and experience to lead HPTE. He has been at the forefront of infrastructure issues in communities and settings throughout Colorado, and that gives him a unique understanding of how projects affect local communities.  We know his experience will help further HPTE's mission to develop innovative transportation financing opportunities for Colorado."

Shailen Bhatt, Executive Director of CDOT, commented:

"Colorado has developed a national reputation for innovation and creativity in financing major projects. David's leadership background, planning acumen and consensus-building skills will ensure that HPTE and CDOT work together in shaping our statewide transportation system and supporting Colorado's economy and quality of life. We welcome David to help CDOT as we work to become the best DOT in the nation."

"I'm very excited to join the CDOT team and be a part of CDOT's leadership in developing innovative alternatives for Colorado's transportation future. The HPTE is a leading-edge practitioner with a growing track record in finding solutions to Colorado's transportation challenges. The people of HPTE and CDOT demonstrate every day that they are committed to creatively solving complex issues and I look forward to being a part of that effort."