2025_ENO-Airmax-Program_8.5x11 by Denver International Airport

2025

ENO AIR MAX COHORT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Dear Eno AirMAX Participants,

On behalf of everyone here at Denver International Airport (DEN), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our airport, to the Mile High City and to the exciting Eno AirMAX program! We are thrilled to have you join us as part of this innovative initiative designed to shape the future of air travel and enhance the passenger experience.

As a leader in the aviation industry, DEN is committed to fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation. The Eno AirMAX program aligns perfectly with our mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation. Your participation represents a crucial step toward not only advancing air travel technology but also improving how passengers experience the airport journey— from the moment they check in to the time they board their flight.

Over the coming week, you will have the opportunity to engage with forward-thinking professionals and contribute valuable insights that will help build a more efficient, sustainable and passenger-friendly airport environment. We are confident that your time here will be rewarding, both professionally and personally.

Our team is here to ensure that your experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our program coordinators or any member of the airport staff. We are all here to support you in making this journey a success.

Thank you for being part of this transformative experience. We look forward to seeing the great things we will accomplish together.

Once again, welcome to DEN and best of luck as you begin your participation in the Eno AirMAX program.

Warm regards,

Phillip A. Washington Chief Executive Officer

Denver International Airport

PHILLIP A. WASHINGTON Chief Executive Officer

Officer

Chief Construction and Infrastructure Officer

PENNY MAY Chief Commercial

MICHAEL BIEL Chief Financial Officer

MARIA G. MELEANDEZ Chief of Staff

DAVE LAPORTE Chief Operating Officer

JIM STARLING

EVERETT MARTINEZ General Counsel

DEN SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

RITA AGUILAR SVP of Government Affairs and Global Public Policy

ANDREA ALBO Deputy Chief of Staff

KAT BARKER Senior Director of Human Resources

KEVIN CAIN Assistant General Counsel

KEN COPE SVP of Real Estate

PAMELA DECHANT SVP of Concessions

AMY EDINGER SVP of Commercial Business

BRANDON GAINEY SVP of Design, Engineering and Construction

GREG HEGARTY SVP of Business Operations

CHAYOT ING-ARAM Interim Deputy CFO

GEORGE KARAYIANNAKIS SVP of Airline & Commercial Affairs

JUAN LUCERO SVP of Business Technologies

SARAH MARQUEZ SVP of Operations

SCOTT MORRISSEY SVP of Sustainability

MARK NAGEL SVP of Parking & Commercial Transportation

BRYAN OLDHAM Senior Director of Asset Management

HEIDI O’NEIL SVP of Accounting

BILL POOLE SVP of Planning & Design

MATTHEW ROBB SVP of Technical Operations

MICHAEL SHEEHAN SVP of Special Projects

SHAWN SMITH SVP of Culture & Strategy

STACEY STEGMAN SVP of Global Communications, Marketing & Customer Experience

USHA YARLAGADDA VP of Internal Audit

AIRLINES

35 NONSTOP INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS SERVED IN

19 COUNTRIES

230 NONSTOP DESTINATIONS

6TH

BUSIEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD

$ 47.2 BILLION

COLORADO’S LARGEST ECONOMIC ENGINE

BUSIEST AIRPORT IN NORTH AMERICA 3RD

41,000+ EMPLOYEES

82.3 MILLION ANNUAL PASSENGERS (2024)

DEN’S STRATEGIC VISION

AS YOU EXPLORE THE ENO AIRMAX PROGRAM, take a moment to dive into the key initiatives and trends shaping the future of DEN, its growth, strategy, major projects and industry outlook:

Vision 100 & Operation 2045

Airport Info & Facts

Projects & Infrastructure

Aviation Megatrends Report

These resources provide helpful context for understanding DEN’s long-term planning and its role in shaping the future of aviation.

LOCATION

WESTIN HOTEL, LEVEL 2 CONFERENCE CENTER, GRAND FOYER

ATTIRE

BUSINESS CASUAL

TIME EVENT FACILITATORS

4:30 p.m. Reception and Mixer Center of Equity and Excellence In Aviation (CEEA)

5:00 p.m. Welcome Remarks, Orientation and Dinner CEEA

6:00 p.m. Mixer Activities CEEA

7:00 p.m. Networking CEEA

8:00 p.m. Adjourn CEEA Free Night/Explore Denver

LOCATION

WESTIN HOTEL, LEVEL 2 CONFERENCE CENTER, ALDER II ROOM

ATTIRE

BUSINESS CASUAL AND CLOSED TOED SHOES (NO HEELS DUE TO TOURS)

TIME EVENT FACILITATORS

8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

8:55 a.m. Safety Briefing Travis Krabbenhoft

9:00 a.m. CEEA and Eno Welcome and Opening Remarks Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

9:10 a.m. DEN AirMAX Alumni Panel

10:25 a.m. Break

Moderator: Stephanie Burke AirMAX Alumni

10:40 a.m. DEN Commercial Penny May and Commercial Leadership Team

12:10 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. DEN Construction and Infrastructure Presentations and Tours Jim Starling and C&I Leadership Team

5:00 p.m. Adjourn Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

LOCATION

DENVER METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (DMCC) 1445 Market St, Denver, CO 80202

ATTIRE

BUSINESS CASUAL

Note: Travel as light as possible this day. If you plan to go to the baseball game after the session, Coors Field has a strict bag policy, which you can view here

TIME EVENT FACILITATORS

7:00 a.m.

Optional Social Event: Attend the Rockies MLB Game DEN Eno AirMAX Participants AGENDA TUESDAY, JUNE 10

Travel to Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

If traveling via the A-Line train from DEN. Departure options are 6:57 a.m. or 7:12 a.m. with a 10-15 minute walk to follow.

8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

8:55 a.m. Safety Briefing DMCC Representative

9:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

9:05 a.m. Metro Economic Development Presentation Daniel Ryley

9:50 a.m. DEN Finance Mike Biel and Finance Leadership Team

11:20 a.m. Break

11:35 a.m. DEN Global Communications & Marketing GCM Leadership Team

1:05 p.m. Lunch

2:00 p.m. DEN Chief of Staff

4:00 p.m. Networking

Maria G. Meleandez and the Chief of Staff Leadership Team

5:00 p.m. Adjourn Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

6:30 p.m.

LOCATION

WESTIN HOTEL, LEVEL 2 CONFERENCE CENTER, ALDER II ROOM

ATTIRE

BUSINESS FORMAL

TIME EVENT FACILITATORS

8:00 a.m. Reception and Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks CEEA

9:15 a.m. Advanced Air Mobility Panel CEEA

11:00 a.m. Networking CEEA

11:30 a.m. Lunch

12:30 p.m. Aviation Mega Trends Discussion CEEA

1:20 p.m. Break

1:30 p.m. Eno Situation Room Niat Afeworki and Jasmine Crews

2:30 p.m. Break

2:45 p.m. Business Project Information Exchange (BPIE) and DEN Eno Workshop Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

5:00 p.m. Adjourn Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

5:45 p.m. DEN at Night Dinner Dinner is for all Eno AirMAX participants Zach Selby and Luis Zazueta

6:30 p.m.

10:00 p.m. DEN at Night Adjourns Zach Selby and Luis Zazueta AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11

DEN at Night This session is optional

LOCATION

WESTIN HOTEL, LEVEL 2 CONFERENCE CENTER, ALDER II ROOM

ATTIRE

BUSINESS CASUAL AND CLOSED TOED SHOES (NO HEELS DUE TO TOURS)

TIME EVENT FACILITATORS

8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

8:25 a.m. Safety Briefing Travis Krabbenhoft

8:30 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

8:35 a.m. DEN Operations Session Presentations and Tours Operations Leadership Team

12:15 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. DEN Chief Executive Officer Session Phillip A. Washington

2:30 p.m. Break

2:45 p.m. Meet Your Match and DEN Eno Workshop Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

5:00 p.m. Adjourn Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

6:30 p.m.

Optional Social Event: Go to FlyteCo (3120 Uinta St, Denver, CO 80238) for Dinner DEN Eno AirMAX Participants

AGENDA FRIDAY, JUNE 13

LOCATION

WESTIN HOTEL, LEVEL 2 CONFERENCE CENTER, ALDER II ROOM

ATTIRE

BUSINESS CASUAL

TIME EVENT FACILITATORS

8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

8:55 a.m. Safety Briefing Travis Krabbenhoft

9:00 a.m. CEEA and Eno Welcome Remarks Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

9:10 a.m. DEN Senior Leadership Panel Discussion

10:45 a.m. Break

Moderator: Stephanie Burke DEN Senior Leaders

11:00 a.m. Chicago Department of Aviation Host Week Preview Denise Turner Alston

11:30 a.m. Lunch and Adjourn Luis Zazueta and Niat Afeworki

12:00 p.m . Tour: Lost and Found Optional for participants on later flights

2025 DEN COHORT

ARELI BONILLA

Career Pathways Administrator I, Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation, Chief of Staff Division

Areli Bonilla is a detail-oriented and results-driven professional with over seven years of distinguished service at the City and County of Denver. Currently serving as the Administrator I for CEEA at DEN, Areli plays a pivotal role in workforce development initiatives, with a particular focus on empowering underrepresented communities in the aviation industry. She leads strategic workforce development programs, including leadership training for both mid-level and senior staff, while overseeing compliance and tracking for various programs. Additionally, she is working on bringing American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) courses to DEN and revamping mentorship and job shadowing programs.

Before her current role, Areli served as a Contract Administrator with DEN’s Business Operations team, managing a diverse portfolio of DEN contracts, negotiating terms and ensuring compliance across multiple projects. Her background also includes valuable experience in small business certification and event management within the Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO), where she helped minority-owned businesses connect with city-wide opportunities. A graduate of the University of Colorado Denver with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in marketing, Areli is committed to lifelong learning and leadership development. She is an alumna of the LeadershipDEN cohort program and holds a Latino Leadership Institute Ignite certificate. Areli is currently pursuing the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification to further her expertise in project management. Outside of work, Areli enjoys outdoor activities such as running, camping and traveling the world with her husband.

SALLY DOLES, Project Manager II, Airport Special Projects Team, Design, Engineering and Construction Division

Sally Doles brings 20 years of professional design and construction management experience in new construction and renovation of aviation, commercial, transportation and transit projects across Colorado. She has worked as a design consultant and lead construction project manager alongside both owners, operators, engineers and contractors. Sally started with DEN in 2018 with the Design, Engineering and Construction group before joining the Special Projects team at the end of 2021. She is currently the project manager of the largest portion of the Great Hall program buildout— the new East Security Checkpoint. She is the main point-of-contact for this project where her duties include managing the Contractor, reviewing project documentation and coordinating work with airport stakeholders to ensure airport operations are not disrupted. Interacting with stakeholders to find creative solutions to make the project a success is the part of her work she enjoys the most. Her current focus is on delivering the East Side Security build out on-time and under budget.

Prior to DEN, Sally was a Structural Engineer and Project Manager working on vertical, horizontal and transportation projects such as the EAGLE P3 project, and the DEN Concourse Expansions. Sally is a native of Colorado and attended Colorado State University where she received a bachelor’s of science in civil engineering after which she attended Texas A&M to obtain a master’s of engineering in structural engineering. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Colorado and just recently became a Certified Member of the AAAE. Sally’s core value is “Responsibility” and holds herself and those around her accountable to do what is right for DEN’s projects. She works hard to keep communication lines open with stakeholders and team members and drives the conversation toward solutions that are acceptable to all parties.

KARLA GRAHN

Volunteer and CATS Project Manager, Airport Customer Service Team, Global Communications & Marketing Division

Karla Grahn is a passionate leader in volunteer engagement, serving as the Volunteer Program Manager at DEN since 2019. She oversees DEN’s Ambassador Program and the Guinness World Record-holding Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS), as well as two successful youth volunteer initiatives. Karla is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating volunteers, working to highlight their contributions through media, awards and special events. Her leadership has positioned DEN’s volunteer programs among the top in the industry. Beyond DEN, Karla serves on the Board of Directors for Directors of Volunteers in Agencies Colorado (DOVIA), sharing best practices and fostering excellence in volunteerism. She also leads DEN’s Customer Service EDIA Committee, driving initiatives that promote equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA). Her efforts earned her the prestigious DEN CEO Visionary Award in 2024. A recognized industry leader, Karla is frequently consulted by airports, organizations and media outlets for her expertise in volunteer management. Her commitment to service and innovation continues to enhance DEN’s customer experience while shaping the future of volunteer programs in the aviation industry.

RACHEL GRUBER

Aviation Program Manager, Airline Affairs Team, Commercial Division

Rachel Gruber is the enthusiastic Aviation Program Manager for the Airline and Commercial Affairs Team at DEN. With six years at DEN, Rachel’s expertise spans from Government Affairs, where she recently served as the Interim Vice President and Manager of Regional Affairs, to her current role where she’s driving innovative projects and strategies that keep DEN soaring high. In her current role as the Aviation Program Manager, Rachel is responsible for the operational readiness of projects across the airport requiring coordination with the airlines and DEN divisions. She led the A East Ground Load project to success, providing an airline with 14 ground load gates, new holdroom and support spaces. Furthermore, she created a request for proposals and is finalizing the new 30-year lease for the fixed-based operator, a contract that hit the streets for the first time in airport history. Prior to joining the airline affairs team, Rachel successfully directed a high-priority initiative to implement reduced EcoPasses for 3,000+ concessionaire employees. This effort culminated in a $1.9 million contract approval and new language integration into all concession contracts. She also oversaw a budget of $1.8 million and led a team responsible for legislative affairs, CORA and federal lobbying.

Before joining the DEN team, Rachel worked at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Colorado’s third-largest chamber, where she led Business Development and Events. Her journey is supported by a degree in communication studies and a minor in business administration from Colorado State University. She received her Certified Member certification through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Outside the office, she’s an avid traveler with a love for discovering new culinary delights, catching live sporting events and concerts and embarking on new adventures.

GARRETT MEYER

Internal Audit Manager, Internal Audit Team, Finance Division

Garrett Meyer serves as the Internal Audit Manager at DEN. In his role, Garrett supports the internal audit team in executing its annual audit plan and provides more hands-on project management oversight. He helps plan, design and execute risk-based audits to assess the internal control environment at DEN and add value to airport clients and stakeholders. Garrett and the internal audit team continuously adapt their audit plans and approaches to identify and address the evolving risks of the airport as well as the internal auditing standards promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors. In his two years at DEN, Garrett has overseen a variety of audit and consulting engagements for the airport. These include revenue audits of concessionaires, rental car companies, ground transportation, public parking and DEN’s on-site hotel. Garrett has also led operational audits or risk assessments related to construction close-out activities, the baggage handling system, asset capitalization and space leasing and billing. Garrett also is an active member of the Association of Airport Internal Auditors (AAIA), serving as a conference committee member responsible for planning the AAIA’s 35th annual conference in Denver in 2025. Before working at DEN, Garrett spent nearly eight years in public accounting, primarily as a consultant providing outsourced internal audit and risk services. Garrett is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). He graduated with a master’s of accounting degree from the University of Kansas. In his free time, Garrett is an avid traveler, aviation enthusiast and baseball fan.

ALYSSUM SKJEIE

Art Program Manager, Airport Art Services Team, Global Communications & Marketing Division

Alyssum Skjeie is the Exhibitions Curator within the art team at DEN. As part of the Customer Experience department, she is passionate about creating inspiring moments that establish a sense of place for staff and travelers. She looks forward to growing with the art program at DEN through exhibitions and Public Art commissions with an eye towards enhancing the customer experience through engaging programs and displays.

Her experience includes developing programs and exhibitions for the Heinz Architectural Center at Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA) in Pittsburgh, PA. While at CMOA she directed research on the Hall of Architecture, one of the last architectural plaster cast collections in the world. The culmination of this work was a talk at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and an innovative exhibition at CMOA called Copy + Paste. At DEN she has organized dozens of exhibitions including a retrospective on Ed Dwight, America’s first Black astronaut candidate and worldrenowned bronze sculptor, a quilt exhibition featuring regional guilds and a display of all 53 of Colorado’s “14ers” in watercolor reproductions.

Alyssum holds a bachelor’s degree in design from California State University Long Beach and a master’s degree in architectural history from the University of Virginia. In her free time, she enjoys visiting local parks, museums and gardens with her husband and two young children and hopes to run another marathon in the near future.

ANTONIO TELLEZ

Electrician II, Facility Maintenance Team, Operations Division

Antonio Tellez was born and raised in Mexico City before moving to Chicago in 1999, where he began his career as a residential electrician. This early experience laid the foundation for his future in the electrical trade. In 2011, he relocated to Colorado, initially working in temporary electrician roles before securing a permanent position with Tower Electric. Starting as an apprentice, Antonio pursued formal education at Red Rocks Community College, earning the credits needed to become a licensed journeyman electrician. Determined to expand his expertise, he went on to complete an associate’s degree in construction electrician studies. His curiosity and passion for learning also led him to explore arts and architecture through classes at the Community College of Denver. At Tower Electric, Antonio quickly rose to a foreman role, leading key projects such as the construction of Meow Wolf’s Denver location, which was completed on schedule and the Lighthouse ArtSpace Denver, which he delivered under budget and ahead of time—clear testaments to his leadership and technical skills.

In 2022, Antonio joined DEN as a Passenger Loading Bridge electrician, where he manages service calls and maintains critical systems, equipment and prepares detailed daily activity reports. Recently, Antonio joined the Incident Management Assistant Team, where he will support the terminal operations crew during busy travel periods and unexpected situations or emergencies. Alongside his work, he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aviation and aerospace management with a minor in architecture, demonstrating his commitment to continuous growth. Outside of his professional life, Antonio enjoys traveling with his partner, Darren, and unwinding at home with their cats. A passionate runner, he continues to train with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, embracing challenges both in his career and personal life.

NAOMI TUCKER

Equity, Engagement, & Inclusion

Administrator II, Culture & Strategy Team, Chief of Staff Division

Naomi Tucker is a culture enhancer, experience maker and dynamic storyteller motivated by curiosity and a passion for human connection. As the Equity, Engagement and Inclusion Administrator II at DEN, she facilitates the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team and Employee Engagement Committee, driving initiatives that enrich the employee experience. With a personal mission to cultivate growth in the people and places she serves, her influence has led to significant growth in both programs. She has been instrumental in launching the annual CEO Visionary Awards celebrating employee achievements, establishing Dear DEN to amplify the employee voice, piloting the Taking Flight Mentorship program to advance career development opportunities and creating the DEN Employee Program Showcase to further connection. Her leadership on the EDI Team enabled them to host sixteen cultural and educational events in 2024 and publish the EDI Connection, a regular newsletter and resource for DEN employees.

Naomi holds an master’s of arts in theatre from Regent University with a certificate in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). She founded Freedom Theatre Company in 2010, serving as its executive director until relocating to Denver in 2013. As a Culture Specialist at Cision and DEIB & Culture Program Manager at Flexential, she led initiatives that strengthened organizational culture, elevated the employee experience and cultivated belonging through developing employee resource groups, cultural celebrations and education programs. As a certified Enneagram coach and Narrative Focused Trauma Care Practitioner, Naomi integrates her love for growth into the trainings she provides at DEN including effective listening, inclusive storytelling, equity mindset and trauma-informed EDI practices. Naomi lives in Wheat Ridge, CO, with her husband and two kids. She intentionally practices self-care through reading, writing, singing, dancing, drinking a flavored chai and getting outside to enjoy nature as much as she can.

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (DEN)

LUIS ZAZUETA | 626-494-6817 | Luis.Zazueta@flydenver.com

MARAH XIBILLÉ | 720-597-4768 | Marah.Xibille@flydenver.com

STEPHANIE BURKE | 720-610-4249 | Stephanie.Burke@flydenver.com

CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION (CDA)

DENISE TURNER ALSTON | Denise.TurnerAlston@cityofchicago.org

ENO CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION

NIAT AFEWORKI | Nafeworki@enotrans.org

JASMINE CREWS | Jcrews@enotrans.org

HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ATL)

CORLISS DAVENPORT | Corliss.Davenport@atl.com

PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PHL)

NICCOLE COOPER | Niccole.Cooper@phl.org

CENTER

STEPHANIE BURKE Director

Stephanie A. Burke serves as the Director of CEEA at DEN. With over a decade of experience in the transportation sector, she transitioned to the aviation industry in late 2021. In her current position, she oversees two key programs within DEN’s Center: Career Pathways, which focuses on cultivating an aviation talent pipeline and Research and Innovation initiatives, which concentrate on conducting industry research and identifying best practices. Her professional career spans more than 15 years in the public sector, encompassing various industries including parks and recreation, law enforcement and security, public transportation and currently aviation. Throughout her career, she consistently applies her expertise to develop personnel and manage projects effectively.

Stephanie holds a bachelor’s of arts in criminology, law, and society from the University of California Irvine and a master’s degree in leadership and management from the University of La Verne. Her credentials include a Project Management Certificate from the University of California Los Angeles and certification as a Project Management Professional. Her background in public service, combined with specialized education in leadership and project management, positions her uniquely to address complex challenges of equity and excellence in aviation. Through her leadership at DEN, she implements strategic initiatives that promote diversity in aviation career pathways while advancing research-based approaches to industry improvement. When not engaged in professional responsibilities, Stephanie enjoys participating in Colorado’s outdoor recreational opportunities, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband and two sons.

ARELI BONILLA Career Pathways Administrator I

Before her current role, Areli served as a Contract Administrator with DEN’s Business Operations team, managing a diverse portfolio of DEN contracts, negotiating terms and ensuring compliance across multiple projects. Her background also includes valuable experience in small business certification and event management within the Division of Small Business Opportunity, where she helped minority-owned businesses connect with city-wide opportunities. A graduate of the University of Colorado Denver with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in marketing, Areli is committed to lifelong learning and leadership development. She is an alumna of the Leadership DEN cohort program and holds a Latino Leadership Institute Ignite certificate. Areli is currently pursuing the CAPM certification to further her expertise in project management. Outside of work, Areli enjoys outdoor activities such as running, camping and traveling the world with her husband.

CENTER OF EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE IN AVIATION (CEEA) TEAM

ANTHONY CLARK Research and Innovation Administrator

Anthony J. Clark is a native of Hackensack, New Jersey, by way of Alexandria, Virginia. Raised in an Air Force family, he developed a lifelong passion for the aerospace industry and multimodal transportation at an early age. He currently serves as a Research and Innovation Administrator at CEEA at DEN. In this role, he leads several strategic initiatives, including the Colorado School of Mines 2025 Capstone Design Program, the Innovation Insights (Best Practices) intake process, and the development of a standard contract for academic partnerships.

His efforts help bridge innovation, education and industry collaboration. Anthony previously served as interim Assistant Director of Scholarship Programs for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), where he still supports efforts to increase minority employment in the aerospace sector. He continues to collaborate with key industry partners such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Boeing and JSX. He now serves on the OBAP Scholarship Committee as an External Industry Partnerships Lead. Before joining DEN, Anthony worked at United Airlines’ Flight Training Center as a Pilot Training Planner. There, he coordinated daily training schedules, ensured FAA and union compliance, and worked closely with stakeholders to meet training standards using pilot records software.

He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in aviation management and aerospace, with a double major in aviation management and aerospace operations from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a master’s in business management from Regis University. Outside of work, Anthony enjoys traveling, outdoor adventures like hiking, running, and kayaking and exploring Colorado’s food and beverage scene. Through his personal photography brand, The 16,000 Studio®, he captures architectural, aviation and design imagery, blending his creative passion with his professional interests.

HEATHER ELLIS Program Manager, Youth Career Pathways

Heather is the Youth Career Pathways Program Manager for CEEA at DEN. She is responsible for implementing comprehensive youth programs that help students gain an understanding of the wide variety of aviation career opportunities available and the career pathways to get them to their future. This includes programming from kindergarten through college, including the DEN internship program.

With starting her own aviation journey at 12 years old, Heather is passionate about fueling a student’s passion for aviation. Before joining CEEA, Heather worked as an airport operations manager at DEN, where she ensured the smooth day-to-day operation of the airport. She managed a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing wildlife activity, coordinating aircraft emergencies, organizing complex runway snow removal operations and ensuring the proper functioning of more than 10,000 airfield lights each night. Heather holds degrees in aviation management and homeland security from Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire. She also earned her private pilot certificate and holds both the Certified Member (C.M.) and Airport Certified Employee (ACE) qualifications from AAAE. Outside of her work at DEN, Heather enjoys embracing all Colorado’s outdoor activities. Whether she’s snowboarding down the slopes or hiking the Rocky Mountains with her husband, she takes full advantage of the state’s natural beauty across all seasons.

MARIANNA HERNÁNDEZ Manager of Research NELSON RODRIGUEZ Manager, Youth Career Pathways

Marianna Hernández is the Manager of Research for CEEA’s Research and Innovation program at DEN. She leads research efforts that explore emerging megatrends in aviation, using data and storytelling to inform strategic decision-making and inspire future-ready innovation. At the heart of her work is a commitment to building research programs that are actionable, inclusive and responsive — programs that not only identify challenges but also spark innovation, elevate historically marginalized voices and drive transformative change.

With a background rooted in education, accessibility, and user experience research, Marianna brings a deep understanding of how systems impact people. She holds a bachelor’s of science in special education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Before joining DEN, she spent several years in the classroom as a special education teacher, where she advocated for students with disabilities and their families. As a first-generation Latina and legal guardian to a sibling with a cognitive disability, she brings a powerful personal lens to her work — one grounded in equity, care and accountability. Her mission is to make public systems and spaces more inclusive by co-creating solutions with the communities they serve.

Nelson Rodriguez is the Manager of Youth Career Pathways for CEEA at DEN. He leads the design, implementation and evaluation of year-round career pathway programs serving youth from kindergarten through college. He is passionate about creating equitable and dignified learning environments that provide youth with knowledge, skills and agency to help them prepare for future careers in aviation. Prior to joining DEN, Nelson served as a school district administrator and was responsible for developing business and community partnerships to support K-12 students in paid internships, apprenticeships, job shadows and other work-based learning initiatives. His professional background also includes extensive leadership experience at both universities and community colleges, where he advanced student leadership and community engagement programs. Nelson was born and raised in Colorado and has strong roots in Zacatecas, Mexico. He holds a bachelor’s of arts in political science and sociology and a master’s of arts in educational leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. Outside of work, Nelson enjoys cooking, traveling, watching boxing and exploring the outdoors with his family.

CENTER OF EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE IN AVIATION (CEEA) TEAM

TERESA ST. PETER

Business Operations Administrator

Teresa St Peter is the Business Operations Administrator for CEEA—joining the team in 2024. In her role, she supports the CEEA staff so that they can concentrate on delivering excellence, bolstering the aviation talent pipeline as well as fostering research and innovation as leaders in, for example, aviation megatrends across the globe. Her daily work includes departmental purchasing, staffing special projects and general care for her team wherever they need support.

Serving six of Denver’s City Councilmembers over the last 20 years, Teresa has experience in a wide variety of areas such as legislative and policy development, constituent services, communications, government affairs and generally navigating city resources and tools. That experience affirmed her observations about the importance of efficient governance. She has continuously improved office systems to better serve Denver’s City Council constituencies in districts all over Denver, growing to love the uniqueness of each through food, art, history and especially, the people. Teresa holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in english language. After landing her first governmental affairs job prior to graduation, she completed all but her thesis for a master’s degree in anthropology. She loves birding, reading and spending time with amazing community-minded Denverites.

REBECCA TATE Manager of Innovation

Rebecca Tate manages the Innovation Program for DEN’s CEEA. She connects airport operational challenges to those who may help solve those challenges in the business and academic communities. She also works to equip students and employees with tools and techniques to support innovation in aviation. Prior to DEN, Rebecca served at the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver where she began their continuous improvement and performance management programs. She worked on projects as diverse as optimizing electric vehicle charging to implementing the agency’s strategic plan. Both experiences taught her the importance of a people-first approach when implementing change to any degree.

Rebecca holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from McGill University in Montreal and master’s degrees in urban and regional planning and business administration from the University of Colorado Denver.

CENTER OF EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE IN AVIATION (CEEA) TEAM

MARAH XIBILLÉ Program Manager, Employee Career Pathways

As the Program Manager on the Employee Career Pathways team at DEN, Marah Xibillé manages the development and implementation of several employee professional development programs within CEEA. In her role, Marah champions initiatives that enhance DEN employees’ professional growth, leadership development, and workforce readiness, aligning with the airport’s Vision 100 strategic goals. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and senior leaders, Marah executes programming that supports employees at all levels with advancing their careers while simultaneously strengthening the aviation talent pipeline.

Before joining DEN, Marah spent eight years working in workforce and talent development within the education technology sector. Marah is committed to fostering inclusive workplaces, implementing strategic workforce initiatives, making data-driven decisions, as well as driving organizational success through people initiatives. Marah is energized by equipping people with the right skills, resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in their careers.

Marah holds a bachelor’s of science in marketing from Indiana State University and a master’s of arts in curriculum and instructional design from the University of Colorado. Outside of work, Marah enjoys reading, playing tennis, traveling and spending time with her beloved family, friends and dog.

LUIS ZAZUETA Manager, Employee Career Pathways

Luis Zazueta is the manager of Employee Career Pathways Programs CEEA at DEN. In this role, he oversees internal and external workforce development initiatives designed to build sustainable career pipelines that support the professional growth of DEN employees. He oversees programs such as LeadershipDEN, Eno AirMAX and New Heights, while also cultivating strategic partnerships with local and national organizations to promote equity and access in aviation careers. Luis brings a strong background in transportation and workforce innovation to his work at DEN.

Prior to joining the airport, he worked at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), where he held roles in the Talent Acquisition Department, Talent Development Department and the Office of Extraordinary Innovation. There, he led key initiatives including the New Employee Experience, Metro Leadership Academy, and the Eno Multi-Agency Exchange program. He also played a critical role in establishing the first transportation-focused curriculum at The SEED School of Los Angeles County. In Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, Luis managed the department’s budget and facilitated programs such as the Unsolicited Proposal Process, Mobility Wallet Study and Travel Rewards Pilot. These initiatives aimed to enhance mobility, equity and environmental outcomes across Los Angeles County.

Luis holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Los Angeles. He is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of transportation leaders.