Debra Johnson, the CEO and general manager of the Regional Transportation District, announced Wednesday that she will step down from her role at the end of her contract, the transit agency told The Denver Gazette.

Johnson sent an email to employees saying she had declined an offer from RTD’s board to extend her contract beyond its May 8, 2027, expiration, citing “personal and professional reasons” and noting her years of service, according to the email provided by RTD.

“With this information in mind, please know that I will continue to steadfastly lead this organization with purpose and intentionality, as I have been doing since Nov. 9, 2020, until my contract sunsets next year,” Johnson wrote.

RTD Board Chairman Patrick O’Keefe issued a statement expressing appreciation for Johnson’s dedication and service to the transit agency, it’s employees and customers.

“For more than five years, she has diligently led RTD, and the Board looks forward to her continued leadership in the coming year. Debra has agreed to work closely with the Board to ensure there’s a smooth transition after the conclusion of her contract in May 2027,” O’Keefe wrote.

Johnson joined RTD in November 2020 with a $315,000 annual salary.

“When I joined the agency, it was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson wrote to employees. “And RTD was facing several significant challenges. From revenue and service reductions to a sharp decrease in transit utilization, I had to take immediate action and make difficult decisions as the new General Manager and CEO.”

Johnson said despite the uncertainty, she remembers her team “rolling up their sleeves” and getting to work.

O’Keefe said under Johnson’s tenure RTD improved safety and security, tackled a backlog of maintenance needs, mitigated workforce vacancy concerns, and implemented several across-the-board customer experience initiatives.

“The agency is in a much better place because of her dedication, and RTD’s solid foundation she created, including a strong and capable Leadership Team, will support the agency’s ongoing successes,” O’Keefe wrote.

Johnson pledged to support the RTD Board’s search in finding her replacement and ensuring a smooth transition.

“RTD has a strong foundation for success and, following my future departure from the agency, is well prepared for its next leader to continue the current trajectory of success,” Johnson wrote.