Two new Colorado Aeronautical Board (CAB) members were officially introduced to the public during a CAB meeting held on June 9, 2022, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Each member’s term will expire in December of 2024.
Daniel Melia – Representing Eastern Slope Governments
Daniel’s love for aviation began at the age of 10 when he began flying model airplanes at the local flying field. Later that year he bummed his first airplane ride in the same airplane he would eventually use to earn his private pilot certificate in while he was in high school. Daniel would go on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Technology with a minor in Aviation Safety from Kansas State University at Salina.
While at Salina, Daniel earned Instrument and commercial ratings in both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft as well as certified flight instructor and instrument instructor ratings. After college, Daniel began flying for a Part 135 aircraft charter company where he earned jet type ratings in Hawker, Citation, and Lear Jet aircraft.
In 2012 Daniel had the opportunity to become the manager at the Kit Carson County Airport (ITR) located in Burlington, Colorado. Over the past nine years, Daniel has worked hard to maintain and improve the condition of the airport to get it to the beautiful condition it is in today.
Steve Lee – Representing the Association of Airport Operators
Steve Lee has 33 years of airport operations experience with the City and County of Denver. Steve began his career at Stapleton International Airport then transitioned to Denver International Airport (DEN) when it opened in the mid-1990s. He is currently Director of Aviation Operations – Emergency Management and Communications at DEN.
He earned a degree in Aviation Management from Metropolitan State University and is an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives. Throughout his long career, Steve has been actively involved in state, national, and international airport associations, including service on the board of the Colorado Airport Operators Association, two of those years as President.
