July 2026

Written By Roxana Schwettmann

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.

See CEO letter here.

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.

Roxana Schwettmann
Next

May 2026