 |
 |
|
As Airport Manager of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Kenneth (Kenny) Maenpa oversees the operation of Colorado's third busiest airport. Its annual economic impact on Jefferson County and the state of Colorado exceeds $363 million.
Maenpa has experienced the challenges of the aviation industry for some 18 years. His first flight lesson at Jefferson County Airport in 1987 sealed his interest in a lifelong career in aviation. After graduating from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a B.S. in Aviation Management, he started his career in airline management.
"I got to experience the harsh reality of how an economic downturn affects aviation," he says, referring to an employer's Chapter 11 reorganization.
Later he shifted his focus from airline management to airport management. "I've grown in airport management at four Colorado airports," he adds. "I find that Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport has the most challenge and potential for the future." Owned and operated by Jefferson County, the airport is a self-sustaining department and does not receive any general tax revenue.
Airport management in a highly volatile industry comes with many ongoing challenges, among them expansion of onsite businesses and capital improvements. Currently some 50 facilities and businesses, such as flight training, charter operations and aircraft sales, are located at RMMA. The airport also offers meeting space with a spectacular view of the Flatirons. It accommodates groups of 12 to 80 participants.
The airport's robust capital improvement plan includes further development of aviation and non-aviation land, a consolidated fuel farm and relocation of a primary taxiway to enhance airport safety. In addition, construction of a new air traffic control tower begins in spring 2009. "The tower adds identity to the airport, as well as safety," Maenpa says.
Along with the challenges of managing RMMA come the rewards of seeing its business grow and projects reach completion. Maenpa concludes: "It's exciting to go out and see what you've been a part of!"
 |
 |
|
 |
|
Local Vacation — Mountain bike rides Mathews/Winters Park and Waterton Canyon. Eating great Mexican food at the Morrison Inn.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
Published in the West Chamber Resource Guide 2009 Best of Business Directory & Magazine, an annual publication of The West Chamber Serving Jefferson County.
Return to List of Executive Profiles
|
