Our Team

Jennifer DeBruhl

DIRECTOR

Jennifer DeBruhl, AICP, PMP, was appointed the Director for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation in June 2022 by Governor Youngkin. She also serves as a member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, chair of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority board, and as a board member for several transit organizations around the Commonwealth.

Ms. DeBruhl joined DRPT as the Chief of Public Transportation in 2016 following over 20 years of distinguished public service to the transportation community, at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). At DRPT, Ms. DeBruhl played a significant role in the development and implementation of Virginia’s Making Efficient + Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT) program increasing accountability in public transportation funding, launching the Virginia Breeze intercity bus service, and spearheading the new Transit Ridership Incentive Program to expand regional connectivity and reduce barriers to transit use.

Ms. DeBruhl has an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies, a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and a Certificate in Public Management, all from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, Leadership APTA Class of 2018, Chair of the APTA State Affairs Committee and member of the Board of Directors, Vice Chair of the AASHTO Multi-state Transit Technical Assistance Program Steering Committee, and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Jennifer Mayton

CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATION

Jennifer Mayton joined DRPT in 2021 to lead the agency’s newly reorganized administrative division. She oversees human resources, information technology, procurement, legal, facilities, and emergency management functions for the agency as well as administrative support for the agency and the Director’s Office.

Ms. Mayton previously served as the Agency Interim Director for the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), a position she was appointed to in 2021. Ms. Mayton was SBSD’s Deputy Director and Chief of Staff from 2016 to 2021, where she provided executive-level leadership to agency personnel and managed the development of the agency’s strategic plan and performance goals. Prior, Ms. Mayton served as Operations Director for Community Health Services for the Virginia Department of Health and as Director of Administration for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Ms. Mayton holds a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in finance, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the recipient of the Governor’s SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business) Champion Award and is a graduate of the Virginia Executive Institute and of Leadership Metro Richmond Class of 2020. She holds Virginia Contracting Officer and Government Financial Manager Certifications and is a member of the Association of Government Accountants and Commonwealth Management Association.

Deanna Oware

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Deanna Oware joined DRPT in June 2023 as the agency’s Chief Financial Officer. She oversees DRPT’s $1 billion budget composed of state, federal, and local resources that go toward improving rail and public transportation capacity and service across the Commonwealth. As CFO, Ms. Oware leads budget, financial programming, financial reporting, fiscal operations, and audits.

Ms. Oware previously served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. She had over 20 years of progressively responsible experience with the State of Indiana. Her previous roles include serving as the Deputy Budget Director and Budget Analyst for the Indiana State Budget Agency, Chief Budget Officer and Director of Grants for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Community Development Director for what is now the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Ms. Oware has also served on numerous professional and community boards and commissions, including the Board of the Indiana Public Retirement System and Indiana’s Deferred Compensation Committee. The Indianapolis Business Journal recognized her as 2021 CFO of the Year for Governmental/Non-Profit Entities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in bioenvironmental science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration focused in public finance and urban management from Indiana University.

Emily Stock

CHIEF OF RAIL TRANSPORTATION

Emily Stock, AICP, serves as the Chief of Rail Transportation, providing leadership for freight and passenger rail planning and policy development as well as DRPT’s freight rail grant programs and initiatives. She collaborates with partner agencies, railroads, and neighboring states to develop programs with maximum benefit and a realistic implementation strategy. Ms. Stock serves as the Commonwealth’s representative on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Council on Rail Transportation and on the Technical Committee of the Southeast Rail Corridor Commission.

Ms. Stock has over 15 years with the Commonwealth between her previous role as DRPT’s Manager of Rail Planning and Business Development Manager for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, where she matched growing industries with the best locations in Virginia for manufacturing and logistics, including rail-served sites.

Ms. Stock has a Master of Planning degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Geology from James Madison University.

Zach Trogdon

CHIEF OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Zach Trogdon serves as the Chief of Public Transportation for DRPT, providing leadership in the evaluation, development, and execution of a $4.7 billion portfolio of public transportation, commuter assistance, and congestion management programs throughout the Commonwealth.

Mr. Trogdon joined DRPT in 2022 and has two decades of experience in the public sector. He served as the Executive Director of the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority. Prior to serving at the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, Mr. Trogdon was the County Administrator in Charles City County and a Town Manager in North Carolina. Mr. Trogdon is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington, holds a master’s degree in public administration from the College of Charleston and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia.

Andrew Wright

CHIEF OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Andrew Wright serves as the Chief of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. Mr. Wright has been with DRPT since 2016. Mr. Wright’s responsibilities include overseeing the agency’s communication efforts, including internal and external communications, media outreach, and marketing for the Virginia Breeze and public transportation programs. He also manages the agency’s legislative agenda and serves as DRPT’s legislative liaison to the General Assembly and federal representatives.

Mr. Wright has nearly 20 years of experience working in legislative affairs and communications. Prior to his time at DPRT, he served as the chief of staff for former state senator R. Edward Houck from 2004 to 2011, and he was a hearing officer and legislative analyst for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles between 2012 and 2016.

Mr. Wright received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg and his Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Learn More About the DRPT Team!

DRPT Organizational Chart

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