In November 2021, Denver International Airport (DEN) CEO Phil Washington announced the creation of the DEN Community Advisory Committee (CAC) – a group assembled to provide insight, guidance and advice to advance DEN’s global reach, competitiveness and reputation as a leader in aviation as we prepare for 100 million annual passengers in approximately 10 years.
“One of the airport’s guiding principles is to seek ongoing stakeholder feedback and input,” said Washington. “DEN is more than just an airport; it is the economic engine for Colorado and a wide range of people are affected by our decisions and operations. The CAC will help DEN ensure community feedback is understood and kept at the forefront of our decisions and that feedback will help us become an even better airport.”
Washington has appointed 16 Coloradoans to serve on DEN’s CAC. As members, they will provide advice on the various airport projects, initiatives and programs; assist with the review and discussion of airport plans; advise airport leadership in planning for issues of interest to the CAC; and advise airport leadership on the best way of seeking public input as appropriate.
Representatives selected reflect diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, experience and perspective regarding issues such as travel, customer experience, business, construction, environmental transportation and tourism.
Members of the CAC include: Brian Atencio (Adams County), John Crow (Adams County), Ben Johnson (Arapahoe County), John “Chip” Southern (Arapahoe County), Erica Valdez (Arapahoe County), Kai Abelkis (Boulder County), Miriam Williams (Broomfield County), Tricia Allen (City and County of Denver), Maria Chamberlain (City and County of Denver), Tricia Downing (City and County of Denver – representing disability inclusion), Ana-Maria Drughi (City and County of Denver), John Kelleher (City and County of Denver), Shonita McCaster-Mueller (City and County of Denver), Deepak Bhasin (Douglas County), Megan Schulze (Jefferson County) and Scott Yeager (Jefferson County).
The committee will meet quarterly starting in June.
