Phil Washington

CEO | Denver International Airport (DEN)

Phillip A. Washington is the Chief Executive Officer of Denver International Airport (DEN), appointed in 2021 and reconfirmed in 2023. Under his leadership, DEN—now the 6th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic—launched Vision 100, an ambitious plan to accommodate 100 million passengers by 2030. He oversees a $10 billion Capital Improvement Program, including the addition of 39 gates, a consolidated rental car facility, environmental sustainability initiatives, and the creation of the Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation, which will train future generations in aviation careers. His leadership has fostered a culture of safety, innovation, and long-term growth among DEN’s 40,000+ employees.

Prior to DEN, Washington was CEO of LA Metro (2015–2021), overseeing an $8.5 billion budget, leading $20 billion in capital projects, and successfully passing Measure M—one of the largest transportation funding measures in U.S. history. He previously served as CEO of Denver’s RTD, where he delivered major projects like the West Rail Line, the redevelopment of Denver Union Station, and the country’s first rail transit public-private partnership (P3).

A 24-year U.S. Army veteran and Command Sergeant Major, Washington has received numerous national honors, including induction into the APTA Hall of Fame. He was nominated by President Biden to lead the FAA, co-chaired the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Policy Committee, and now serves on both the U.S. DOT Equity Advisory Committee and the FAA’s Management Advisory Council. He holds degrees from Columbia College and Webster University, and is a graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Originally from Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens, Washington is widely recognized for his visionary leadership in transportation, infrastructure, and public service.