Cooper Named to Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40

Denver Business Journal recently recognized Garver Aviation Leader Justin Cooper, PE, for his dedication to the industry and his community by naming him to its 2025 40 Under 40 class.

As an Aviation Leader in Denver, Cooper focuses on serving aviation clients in the Rocky Mountain Region, supporting them by not only providing guidance on the design and construction of airport infrastructure but on planning, budgeting, and growing their airports. Cooper entered the aviation industry in 2016 when he started working at Denver International Airport (DEN). Since then, he has supported DEN through its incredible growth to become the world’s sixth busiest airport.

Cooper has developed a proven track record of creating collaborative environments, building strong teams, providing guidance for young engineers, and successfully delivering complex infrastructure projects. His relationships and reputation in the industry have helped Garver grow their brand in Colorado, one of the firm’s newest markets.

Cooper showcased his leadership on his first project with Garver, where he worked with DEN to deliver their Taxiway EE project, the FAA’s largest airfield safety improvement project in the nation. In his nearly three years with the firm, he has quickly proven himself to be a valuable industry leader and essential asset to the firm’s Aviation Team.

Early in his career, Cooper worked with a prominent heavy civil contractor in California, which exposed him to some of the most complex, challenging, and iconic construction projects in the United States.

When he moved to Colorado in 2016, Cooper joined a company that was just starting to work at DEN. In this role, he built and led a team that supported the tremendous growth that DEN was undertaking. His ability to capitalize on opportunities and to lead teams has resulted in a longstanding partnership with one of the world’s largest airports and the delivery of some of the largest airfield projects at DEN, including the aforementioned, recently completed Taxiway EE project which improves the airport’s safety and operational efficiency. Although this project was Cooper’s focus over the past year, he has also helped Garver successfully deliver a number of airfield projects for clients in the Rockies.

Engineering has provided Cooper with many opportunities to make a positive impact on the communities he has served, not only in the projects he has completed but also through volunteering and philanthropic work. He is committed to providing opportunities for the next generation of engineers and works with organizations like ASCE opportunities to encourage college and high school students to pursue careers in engineering. He is also involved in many professional organizations such as the Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and American Concrete Paving Association (ACPA).

Cooper has devoted his career to the development of the infrastructure that businesses and communities rely on every day. The projects he and his teams have built have improved safety and efficiency for the public and are tangible proof of the impact he has made early in his career on the communities he serves.

Visit our Aviation Services page to learn about what Garver’s Aviation Team can do for you.