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GOVERNANCE

Executive Leadership

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Meet our Leadership Team

Explore Vision 100 and Operation 2045

Phillip A. Washington

Chief Executive Officer

Meet Phillip A.

Phillip A. Washington, Chief Executive Officer

Phillip A. Washington was initially nominated by former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock in July 2021 and most recently by current Mayor Mike Johnston in July 2023. Phil was unanimously confirmed by the Denver City Council as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Denver International Airport (DEN) both times. In 2024, DEN was the nation’s 3rd busiest airport by passenger traffic. The annual economic impact of DEN is $47.2 billion, and the airport has over 40,000 total badged employees with 26 commercial airlines and regional carriers and a total of 232 destinations (domestic and international). Within weeks of Phil’s arrival, he set forth a vision for DEN, Vision 100, that will prepare the airport to accommodate 100 million passengers, a 30% increase in passengers, by 2030.

At DEN, Phil oversees a $12.5 billion-dollar Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The vision he has set forth includes completely retrofitting the airport to accommodate 50 million more passengers than the airport was originally designed for. To that end, Phil has led his team in opening 39 new airport gates along with the relocation of its airline ticket counters; open two new massive state-of-the-art (thirty-four lanes total) security lane areas, both ahead of schedule and under budget; began the professional services work on a massive consolidated rental car facility (17,500 spaces) and passenger transport system to it; and excelled in DEN’s safety programs by earning “No” deficiencies on 3 of the last 4 airport Part 139 Safety Certification Inspections. Phil and his team’s fiscal management has been stellar as evident by all three credit rating agencies upgrading DEN’s credit rating in 2023 to the highest in the history of the airport. Additionally, DEN ranked Number #1, in 2025, for domestic destinations served non-stop and set passenger records for every month in 2025 for international passenger traffic. Phil and his team are accelerating the construction of the terminal (Great Hall) project; and have completed construction for a one-of-its kind “Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation (CEEA)” that will introduce young people to the aviation industry and create career pathways for thousands; and most importantly, Phil has created a culture of safety throughout the airport and amongst the 40,000 employees on campus.

Prior to Washington’s arrival at DEN, he was the CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) from March 2015 to May 2021. As Metro’s CEO, Washington managed a balanced budget of $8.5 billion, was responsible for overseeing between $18-$20 billion in capital projects and provided oversight of an agency with 11,000 employees that transported 1.2 million boarding passengers daily on a fleet of 2,200 clean-air buses and six rail lines. Metro is the lead transportation planning, programming, and financing agency for LA County. As such, it is a major construction agency that oversees bus, rail, highway, and other mobility-related infrastructure projects – together representing the largest modern public works program in North America. Washington was also engaged and partnering in all facets of transportation and infrastructure in LA County including aviation, goods movement, freight/railroads, water, public works, housing, congestion pricing/mitigation, and transit-oriented communities (TOCs).

Washington led the 2016 successful effort to pass Measure M, a new half- cent sales tax in Los Angeles County (the most populous county in the United States), which garnered 71.15% voter approval.

Measure M is allowing Metro to build 40 major highway and transit projects over the next 40 years, create 778,000 jobs and provide $133.3 billion in economic impact for the region. Measure M has no sunset and will end only if voters vote to end it. LA County residents are currently benefiting from the Measure with recent rail, highway, and bus facility openings.

Washington went to Los Angeles from Denver, where he served as the CEO of the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) between 2009 and 2015. He was previously the assistant general manager of RTD for nearly 10 years before being named CEO. In Denver, Washington led and implemented the FasTracks (sales tax initiative) program, one of the largest voter-approved transportation expansion programs in the country. Under his leadership, Denver’s West Corridor Rail Line project was completed under budget eight months earlier than scheduled, and the award-winning Denver Union Station project was completed five months early and is now realizing tremendous revenue and value capture from the surrounding development. Also in Denver, Washington implemented the nation’s first and still only operating $2.2 billion rail transit public private partnership (P3), which opened in 2016 and is in operation currently and exceeding ridership estimates.

Washington has received numerous prestigious assignments and honors. In October 2023, Phil was inducted into the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Hall of Fame. In July 2022, Phil was nominated by President Biden to be the next Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator. In 2020 and 2021, Phil co-chaired the Biden/Harris Infrastructure Policy Committee, he was later asked to lead (Captain) the Biden/Harris Transportation Transition Team. In both 2021 and 2019, he testified before the full U.S. Congressional Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, was honored with the Eddy Award for Outstanding Leadership in Economic Development and was awarded the prestigious CORO Crystal Eagle Award for a “Legacy of Leadership.” In 2018, he was awarded the Honorable Ray LaHood Award (former U.S. Secretary of Transportation) by the national Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) for his outstanding contribution in promoting opportunities to advance and advocate for women in the transportation industry. In 2017, he was presented with the Judge Harry Pregerson Public Service Award for his service to U.S. military veterans and was honored with the Norman Mineta Award for exceptional leadership in the transportation industry. Washington was also named 2013-2014 Outstanding Public Transportation CEO of the Year in North America by APTA. In 2012, President Obama named him a White House Transportation Innovators Champion of Change. And, in 2007, he was appointed by the mayor of Denver to lead the Host Transportation Committee for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Originally from the South Side of Chicago – the public housing projects of Altgeld Gardens – Washington is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, where he held the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest non-commissioned officer rank an enlisted soldier can achieve. He retired from active duty, is a disabled veteran and was awarded the prestigious Defense Superior Service Medal for exceptional service to his country. He holds a B.A. in Business from Columbia College, an M.A. in Management from Webster University and is a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Phil is a past chair of APTA and a former member of the Executive Committee of the Transportation Research Board and the Eno Center for Transportation. Finally, in March 2024, Phil was nominated to serve on FAA’s Management Advisory Council (MAC).

Maria Meleandez

Chief of Staff

Meet Maria

Maria Meleandez, Chief of Staff

Maria G. Meleandez is a servant leader who is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that brings people together to achieve results. As Chief of Staff at one of the busiest airports in the world, she oversees Government Affairs and Global Public Policy, Culture and Strategy and the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation.

Prior to joining DEN, she served as the Deputy Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), the second largest public transit system in the US.  There she advanced the implementation of high-impact, community centered, workforce investments. With a proven track record in strategic leadership, planning and systems integration, she was pivotal in the development and implementation of The SEED School of Los Angeles County (SEED LA), the nation’s first college-prep boarding school to focus on the workforce needs of Transportation Infrastructure. Her commitment to the cultivation of an inclusive culture — in which everyone is seen, heard, and valued for their contributions — continues to make an impact throughout the communities she serves.

Maria has excelled in numerous capacities, leading large-scale programs and teams within education, healthcare, and infrastructure industries.  As a first-generation college graduate, Maria holds a master’s degree in business administration, is a licensed Registered Nurse and Hudson trained Executive Coach.

Dave LaPorte

Chief Operating Officer

Meet Dave

Dave LaPorte, Chief Operating Officer

Dave has been in the aviation industry for more than 30 years and has been with DEN since 2012. His most recent position was Deputy Chief Operating Officer, where he had direct oversight of Airport Safety and Operations Innovation and Analytics.

From 2012 through 2015 Dave served as the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Airport Infrastructure Management (AIM). As the leader of AIM, Dave was responsible for leading Maintenance, Development, Asset Management and Airport Planning and Noise.

Following that, he held the position of SVP of Airport Operations from 2015 to 2023, where he was responsible for leading Airside and Terminal Operations, Safety, Security, Emergency Preparedness and Management, Contract Administration and the Communications Center.

Prior to joining the DEN team, Dave had a 19-year career with Southwest Airlines, most recently serving as the airline’s DEN Station Manager. Dave opened the station with 13 flights a day and oversaw its growth to 175 flights per day. He was responsible for customer service, ground handling and operations.

Dave has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Technology from Western Michigan University where he attended flight school.

Mike Biel

Chief Financial Officer

Meet Mike

Mike Biel, Chief Financial Officer

Mike serves as DEN’s Chief Financial Officer and oversees the financial and strategic management of DEN’s capital program and operating budget with annual revenues of more than $900 million. He also leads the airport’s finance, accounting, business technologies, internal audit and financial planning and analysis functions. He has been with the organization since June 2017 and previously served as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Financial Accounting. Prior to joining DEN, he was at the now Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, in similar roles. He also has 20 years experience with CPA firms in Las Vegas and Mobile, Alabama.  He is a licensed CPA in Alabama with reciprocity in Nevada. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Alabama.

Jim Starling

Chief Construction and Infrastructure Officer

Meet Jim

Jim Starling, Chief Construction and Infrastructure Officer

Jim joined DEN in November 2021 and brings over 25 years of experiencing managed large and complex transportation projects in planning, design, construction and commissioning. As the Chief Construction and Infrastructure Officer, Jim oversees Design, Engineering and Construction (DEC), Sustainability, DEN Real Estate, the Great Hall Project and the Gate Expansion Program. DEC oversees the environmental processes, engineering design and construction management of roadways and runway projects as well as other enhancements. Sustainability is responsible for overseeing all activities at DEN for compliance with environmental regulations, noise management and sustainable practices. DEN Real Estate is focused on developing approximately 16,000 acres of commercial land to accommodate a range of market sectors. At 53 square miles, DEN remains positioned for growth at relatively low unit costs compared to other large hubs in the United States, which will help maintain a competitive cost structure for its carriers while keeping up with growing demand. In addition to develop the 16,000 acres, DEN Real Estate also oversee Commercial Property including the Westin Denver International Airport and Rental Cars.

He previously led several large projects including the Mid-Coast Corridor program in San Diego, the West Rail Line – part of the $6.9 billion FasTracks program and the Transportation Expansion Project (TREX).

Everett Martinez

General Counsel

Meet Everett

Everett Martinez, General Counsel

Everett joined the Denver City Attorney’s Office (CAO) in 2016 serving as an attorney for DEN. In 2020, he was promoted to the Assistant General Counsel at DEN. Everett brings to this role 15 years of experience specializing in complex financial transactions. Before joining DEN, he worked for Kutak Rock as a public finance attorney and spent a decade in the law firm setting, most recently with Greenberg Traurig. Everett oversees a team of 18 attorneys and legal professionals supporting DEN in this position. DEN Legal, a section within the Denver City Attorney’s Office (CAO), negotiates real estate transactions, drafts contracts, secures bond financing, litigates and defends legal claims, and ensures legal and regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local laws on behalf of the airport. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado and Harvard Law School.

Chris Herndon

Chief Commercial Officer

Meet Chris

Chris Herndon, Chief Commercial Officer

​Chris Herndon joined Denver International Airport in December 2025 and serves as Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, he oversees the airport’s Concessions, Aviation Commercial Business Development, Business Operations/Procurement, and Business Technologies departments, supporting DEN’s continued growth as one of the world’s busiest and most innovative airports. He brings more than a decade of public-sector leadership and operational experience to DEN. He served 12 years on the Denver City Council, including as Council President, where he worked closely with city agencies, business leaders, and community stakeholders to advance major initiatives focused on economic development, infrastructure, and public-private partnership. In addition to his public service, he brings experience in retail and airline operations.

You May be Interested In

Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations for the management, operation, control and use of Denver International Airport are listed as a convenience to the public.

Governance

DEN is an enterprise of the City and County of Denver and as such receives no tax-dollar support. Learn more about how DEN is governed.

Reports and Financials

DEN is committed to openness and transparency of operations. Find monthly passenger traffic, revenue and other reports here.

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