Mayor John Hickenlooper on Thursday named aviation industry veteran Kim Day, 53, as the likely new manager of Denver International Airport.
A former top executive with Los Angeles World Airports, the parent of Los Angeles International and other Southern California airports, Day currently operates Strategic Aviation Consulting LLC, her own advisory firm in California.
She recently provided consulting services on strategic planning for DIA.
Hickenlooper praised Day as “not only a strong strategic thinker” but also a strong manager when it comes to “on-the ground” airport operating issues.
Hickenlooper put an asterisk on the announcement of Day’s appointment, saying she was the last-standing “finalist” for the job and he wanted her to meet DIA employees and other “stakeholders” before the appointment is cemented.
Day will meet DIA employees and other community representatives Jan. 31.
“She has my 100 percent support,” Hickenlooper said, adding that it was also “important to get valid public input” on the appointment.
DIA is “one of the driving engines of our economy,” Hickenlooper said.
The mayor said there had been “more input and more interest” from business and community leaders in the selection of a new airport chief than any other city appointment.
Day’s salary has not been finalized, but it is expected to be at or “very close to the top of the salary range,” the mayor said. City officials last year boosted the range of pay for a new manager to between $150,000 and $240,000.
Day will succeed Turner West. The new manager, an architect, will guide what is expected to be a major expansion of the airport.
West, a longtime employee of Denver’s aviation system, will retire March 31.
Since Los Angeles International is a major gateway for international flights, Day’s experience there is expected to assist DIA’s ongoing effort to lure more flights to foreign destinations.
Jeffrey Leib: 303-954-1645 or jleib@denverpost.com
