Biden nominates Denver airport head Phil Washington to lead FAA

President Joe Biden on Wednesday nominated Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington to head the Federal Aviation Administration.

Washington has been the airport’s CEO for about one year. Before that, he served as the CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where he managed an $8 billion budget and oversaw 11,000 employees. Washington also has experience as the CEO of Denver Regional Transportation District.

He is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army.

The FAA is in charge of regulating the county’s civil aviation activities and has been without a leader since March, as the airline industry faces recovery challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington now faces a confirmation process in a closely divided Senate.

Colorado’s two senators, Democrats Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, issued statements in support of Washington’s nomination.

“Phil Washington will bring an organizational discipline to the FAA during this time of stress and challenge,” Hickenlooper said. “He has translated his successful military career into a level of operational competence rare in any industry sector. He will do great things in his new role.”