By Shannon Lukens. Courtesy photo; (from left to right) David Ulane, Tinneal Gerber (just announced as the next Airport Director), Kevin Booth, and Vladan Chase (an OSS/ARFF Officers and emcee for the conference).

Yampa Valley Regional Airport has been selected as Colorado’s 2025 Airport of the Year. The announcement came at the recent Colorado Airport Operators Association Spring Conference, which was in Steamboat Springs.

Outgoing Airport Manager Kevin Booth says the recent event had leadership from 25 Colorado airports, 28 exhibitors, and 288 in attendance. Booth said is it important for the community to know what a great airport we have in Hayden, “I’m extremely proud of our team at HDN and pleased by the recognition this award represents for their efforts.”

Booth’s last day as Airport Director is this Friday, June 27. He is being replaced by Tinneal Gerber.

More on the Story — Tinneal Gerber is named new Director for Yampa Valley Regional Airport

Here’s more from the event at which Yampa Valley Regional Airport was honored.

The Colorado Aeronautical Board convened on June 19, 2025, to celebrate significant achievements within the state’s aviation community, highlighting the importance of leadership and community support in enhancing the aviation system. The meeting featured the presentation of several prestigious awards, underscoring the contributions of individuals and organizations to Colorado’s aviation landscape.

One of the most notable recognitions was the “Airport of the Year” award, presented to Yampa Valley Regional Airport. This award honors public-use airports that demonstrate outstanding contributions to the aviation system, characterized by effective leadership and community engagement. The award was accepted by Kevin Booth, who expressed gratitude on behalf of the airport team, emphasizing the collaborative effort that led to this recognition.” Citizens Portal link

The CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) Aeronautics Division presents annual awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the Colorado aviation system. These awards include the Colorado Airport of the Year and the Colorado Aviation Professional of the Year. The awards are presented at the Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA) Spring Conference. At the 2025 conference, the Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN)  was named Airport of the Year for 2025. The Colorado Airport of the Year Award is presented annually by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics to recognize Colorado public-use airports that exhibit outstanding contributions to the Colorado Aviation System. Airports distinguished with this recognition demonstrate values that fall in line with the CDOT Division of Aeronautics’ mission to advance a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment, and advocacy.