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Senate committee advances two aeronautical board nominees to the Senate
Summary
The Colorado Senate Transportation & Energy Committee recommended two appointees to the Colorado Aeronautical Board — Brianna Lehman and Daniel Malia — sending both to the full Senate (Malia via the consent calendar). The nominees described aviation safety and community engagement as priorities.
The Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on Oct. 12 recommended two nominees for the Colorado Aeronautical Board, forwarding Brianna Lehman and Daniel Malia to the full Senate for confirmation after brief questioning.
Brianna Lehman, introduced to the committee by a CDOT official, said she has been active on aviation-noise issues in Metro Denver and has participated in community working groups, roundtables and discussions with airports and pilots. "I think I'm coming at this from the angle of having really in‑depth understanding," Lehman told the committee, adding she does not seek to close airports but wants to limit community impacts while supporting aviation's role in the state's economy.
Daniel Malia appeared remotely from Burlington and described a lifelong aviation background that includes a degree in aeronautical technology, experience as an airport manager and previous service on the Aeronautical Board. "A lot of these little airports are really a lifeline in some of these communities when it comes to things like health care and crop production," Malia said, describing work to help small airports navigate regulations and secure grants.
Committee members asked nominees about qualifications and the board's workload. Lehman said she attended a recent aviation noise and emissions symposium and participated in discussions with NASA about community impacts. Malia explained that many small airport managers lack aviation training and that his experience helps them meet grant and safety requirements.
Senator Cutter moved both appointments forward. The committee confirmed Lehman with a roll call that passed 7 to 2. The committee also recommended Malia favorably and placed his nomination on the consent calendar for the full Senate. Both nominees now proceed to the Senate for final consideration.
Why it matters: The Colorado Aeronautical Board oversees grant programs, airport safety and aviation education across the state; board membership affects how CDOT distributes aviation grants and engages with communities on noise and safety issues.
What’s next: Both confirmations will be considered by the full Senate; Malia’s nomination was placed on the consent calendar, and Lehman’s nomination will be scheduled for a floor vote.
