The City of Boulder has officially announced the appointment of a new Boulder Municipal Airport Manager, selecting Eric Vences for the role after a rigorous national search. Vences is slated to take up his new responsibilities on August 11, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the airline industry. His previous positions include working at Denver International Airport and serving as Airport Manager of the Rantoul National Aviation Center. Vences comes equipped to not only manage but to strategically and inclusively build partnerships spanning the community to the federal level.
As obtained by the City of Boulder, Assistant City Manager Pam Davis expressed confidence in Vences's capabilities. "Eric is joining the city with a clear dedication to public service and passion for aviation," Davis said. "His background will help the city continue to support Boulder’s thriving aviation community while fostering meaningful relationships with community and institutional partners." Vences's track record indicates a strong propensity to successfully lead and engage in public-private partnerships.
Boulder Municipal Airport, which Vences will soon manage, is a general aviation facility that plays a crucial role in providing services for business, private, and recreational aviation in the city and the surrounding area. Detailed information about the airport's services and history can be found on the Boulder Airport's Story, along with general information on the airport's dedicated webpage and FAQ section.
Interim Airport Manager David Ruppel has held the fort until Vences's hiring. Ruppel, a consultant with Aviation Management Consulting Group, took the reins of the operation in fall 2024. "We greatly appreciate Dave’s expertise to ensure our airport runs smoothly in the interim, his strategic efforts to advance safety and operational efficiencies, as well as his contributions to a seamless transition with Eric’s onboarding," Davis told the City of Boulder. Bringing in an interim manager is not uncommon in the aviation sector, especially during periods of leadership transition, to ensure continued safe and efficient airport operations. Vences's arrival marks the end of this interim period and the beginning of a new chapter for Boulder Municipal Airport.
