The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics has announced the appointment of five new members to the Colorado Aeronautical Board (CAB). Appointed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the new members are Grand Junction Regional Airport Executive Director Angela Padalecki, representing western slope governments; Arapahoe County Commissioner Leslie Summey, representing eastern slope governments; Brianna Lehman of Lafayette, community representative; Kevin Ryan of Superior, community representative; and Clay Clarke, representing the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Burlington Airport Director Daniel Melia was reappointed to represent eastern slope governments.
The appointments expand the CAB roster from seven to nine voting members, following Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ signing of House Bill 24-1235 – Reduce Aviation Impacts on Communities on May 17, 2024. The bill’s provisions include the appointment of three additional board members; two community representatives who are residents of communities affected by general aviation airport activity, and an ex officio, nonvoting member represented by the CDPHE.
The CAB oversees the operation of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, whose mission is to support Colorado’s multi-modal transportation system by advancing a safe, efficient, and effective state-wide aviation system through collaboration, investment and advocacy. The CAB collaborates with public and private stakeholders to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the Colorado aviation system. The CAB also oversees the distribution of discretionary aviation grants funded by state aviation fuel sales taxes.
“Aviation is critically important to Colorado and the nation, and I look forward to working with the new board members to further the board’s vital mission and advance the latest innovative aviation technologies for the benefit of all Coloradans,” said CAB Chair Kent Holsinger.
The newly appointed members will participate in their first board meeting on January 28, 2025 during the Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA) Winter Conference. They will join the existing CAB members in guiding Colorado’s aviation programs and ensuring the effective use of resources to benefit the state’s communities and economy.
According to the 2020 Economic Impact Study of Colorado Airports, the Colorado Airport System consists of 76 public use airports that support over 345,000 jobs, provide $16.2 billion in annual payroll, and $48.6 billion in total business revenue for the State of Colorado.
