July 2026
DCA Board of Director Election Results
DCA Annual Board of Director Election was held during the DCA Annual Meeting on May 20, 2026. Candidates were given the opportunity to speak to the membership to introduce themselves. A member vote for 4 open positions on the board was held at the conclusion of the candidate presentations.
Ongoing Board Members Re-Elected for 2026-2027 Term
Mike de La Rosa
Maritza Job
Kevin Westlye
New Board Member Elected for 2026-2027 Term
Alea LaRocque, WH Smith North America
On May 29, the new Board of Directors met to elect the Board Officers for the 2026-2027 term. The results of the election are as follows:
Co-President: Kari Matthews
Co-President: Kathleen Schafer
Vice President: Mike de La Rosa
Secretary: Alea LaRocque
Treasurer: Maritza Job
DCA Requests Seat at the Table for DEN CEO Search
On June 18, the DCA Board sent the attached letter to Mayor Johnston. The letter asks that the DCA has a seat at the table to participate in the process of selecting the new CEO for DEN.
For historical perspective we did have a Board member participate in the last selection process which resulted in Phil Washington being hired as CEO several years ago.
DCA and DEN Leadership Advance Key Priorities
On July 15, the DCA Board of Directors met with DEN Executive Leadership. Topics included:
Process and DCA inclusion in current CEO search
Formation of committees to review:
Construction/permit process at the airport. Chris Herndon shared the airport budget has included funds for one permit inspector to be located full-time at the airport.
MAG reform. Pam DeChant shared that DEN speaks to several other large airports on a regular basis and that MAG reform is discussed.
Potential abatement of 1% marketing fee in 2027, and permanent reduction of marketing fee to .5% starting in 2028
Potential for DCA to present a draft format for Labor Peace Agreement language to be part of several RFP's in Q4, 2026.
Discussion of improving employee parking, if any current employee parking lots need to be relocated.
Value of DEN Perks program and whether or not airport should continue investment based upon existing utilization.
Alternatives to existing EIS Program which is heavily administrative.
We will update these ongoing opportunities as our monthly meetings with DEN leadership continue.
Borderlands Book Signing and Meet and Greet with Ken Salazar
The DEN Concessions Community, together with Tattered Cover and Mission Yogurt Inc., is proud to host a special Borderlands book signing and meet‑and‑greet with former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. This signature event brings together passionate readers, travelers, and the broader airport community to celebrate leadership, public service, and the power of storytelling.
The first 50 guests to RSVP will receive priority signing access, creating an engaging and memorable experience for DEN and Concessions employees. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with Secretary Salazar as he shares personal reflections and themes from Borderlands, fostering meaningful dialogue around the stories that shape the American West. The event underscores the Concessions community’s commitment to convening influential voices and enriching the cultural fabric of DEN.
We look forward to welcoming you!
HR Lab Symposium
The HR Lab Symposium will bring leaders and practitioners from across the region on September 16 at The Legacy Building in Denver. Running from 8:00am to 4:00pm, the full‑day program will engage participants for an immersive exploration of emerging HR challenges, workforce innovation, and collaborative problem‑solving. The event will emphasize shared learning, practical tools, and cross‑industry dialogue designed to strengthen organizational resilience and employee experience.