Julie Bender, president and chief executive officer of the DIA Business Partnership, will leave the group at the end of the year, the partnership said this afternoon.
The DIA Business Partnership, which promotes economic development in the communities surrounding Denver International Airport, is forming a search committee to establish a selection process and criteria for her replacement.
“The partnership is well on its way in achieving its goal to create the best airport-centered region in the United States, and Julie has been a driving force behind that,” said Jeff Willis, chairman of the DIA Partnership said. “Julie has worked tirelessly to attract investment and advocate on behalf of the region. She will certainly be missed and we wish her all the best in her new endeavors.”
In a statement issued by the partnership, Bender said she plans to pursue new professional opportunities, although she did not specify what those might include.
Bender became the first president and CEO of the DIA Business Partnership when it was established in 1996. The partnership is comprised of public and private sector community leaders including representatives from Denver International Airport, city governments, land owners, developers and service providers.
“It has been immensely gratifying to build the DIA Partnership and help shape the community around DIA,” said Bender. “The partnership itself has become a model for public-private partnerships in emerging areas. The organization is focused, well-staffed and has strong leadership in place. It’s time for me to pursue new professional opportunities.”
Staff writer Kristi Arellano can be reached at 303-820-1902 or karellano@denverpost.com.
