Mayor Mike Johnston has named an interim CEO for Denver International Airport.
Dave LaPorte, currently the airport’s chief operating officer, will step into the role Aug. 3.
LaPorte will replace CEO Phil Washington, who announced in June that he would step down at the beginning of August.
LaPorte has been with the airport since 2012, serving in roles such as senior vice president of airport infrastructure and management and senior vice president of airport operations.
Before that, he worked 19 years for Southwest Airlines, including as the airline’s Denver station manager, according to the city. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in aviation technology.
“Denver International Airport is one of the world’s premier airports, and it’s vital that an experienced, steady leader guide the organization during this transition period,” Johnston said in a statement. “Dave has earned the respect of his colleagues, our airline partners, and the aviation industry, and I am confident he will lead the airport successfully during the interim.”
Denver plans to conduct a national search for a permanent CEO. The city council will ultimately vote on Johnston’s pick.
