The San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) Hires Executive Director

The San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is pleased to announce the hiring of David Averill as its Executive Director. The SMART Board of Directors approved offering the job to Averill at its October 12, 2017 Board meeting. Averill brings a long history of involvement in transit in Colorado, with over 17 years in transportation issues. He is currently employed by the City of Fort Collins as the Capital Planning and Grants Compliance Manager. Prior to that, he served in a number of capacities for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), including providing program management for transit planning and funding programs, which should be especially helpful for SMART’s future needs. SMART Board Chairperson Laila Benitez indicated, “David has a proven track record in both public transportation and community transit planning. We were all impressed with his collaborative approach to achieving goals, as well as his strong reputation in the transit community as a team player. We are thrilled that David will be joining the SMART Team.” Board member Todd Brown said Averill was chosen “because he has an outstanding set of skills that match SMART's needs. He's experienced in transportation planning, with relevant Colorado experience, and is well-known to and liked and respected by our regional transportation staff at both towns and the County. He's "the whole package" and an avid bicyclist, so he's attuned to non-vehicle transportation elements as well.” SMART interviewed a number of candidates for the position before deciding to offer Averill the job. According to Board member, Joan May, "It took some time to find the right fit for the Telluride region, but David is it. He's got all the skills and traits we want in the first ever SMART Executive Director, plus he's excited to embrace the lifestyle here.” She said. “I trust that the community will welcome him warmly." Averill said he is excited about the move to Telluride and extremely excited about the new position with SMART. He says, “I'm really looking forward to getting to know the region better and seeing what we can achieve.” Averill will begin working with SMART on November 27th, 2017. For more information, please call SMART Interim Director Amy Levek at [phone]970.708.1231[/phone]