Denver International Airport officials announced Wednesday that chief executive Phil Washington will retire in August after 50 years of public service.
Washington has led DIA for five years through its growth into an emerging international hub with 34 nonstop flights to 19 countries, along with 250 nonstop domestic flights. Previously, Washington led metro Denver’s Regional Transportation District and served in the U.S. Army.
“I am honored to have served the public for so many years,” Washington said in a statement, saying he made “a long-planned decision” to step back on Aug. 1.
“I’ve worked in transportation and infrastructure, and we have accomplished so much, but my greatest accomplishments have been about building world-class organizations driven by vision, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to people. I am deeply proud of the work we have done and know that DEN remains in good hands with a talented team of dedicated professionals.”
Washington guided the airport through “an extraordinary period of growth and opportunity,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said.
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“His leadership has had a transformational impact on DEN and the aviation industry, helping position our airport as a global leader in innovation, connectivity, and customer experience,” he said. “Phil’s legacy will be felt for generations.”
In 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Washington to lead the Federal Aviation Administration. Washington withdrew his name in March 2023, after delayed Senate confirmation votes, facing severe political pushback. After running RTD from 2009 to 2015, Washington ran the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority from 2015 to 2021.
Born in 1958, Washington grew up on the South Side of Chicago, living in the Altgeld Gardens Homes public housing project, the son of a single mother.
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