business
Blackmer: The brightest star I’ve had the chance to orbit
Summary by Aspen News Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Kent R. Blackmer , Aspen Times
· July 21, 2026
· 3 min read
Quite simply, Dan Blankenship is the finest human being I have ever met. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the lion’s share of my working life in his company. Dan spent so much time at work that it’s hard to say whether RFTA’s tremendous growth was due more to his work ethic or his kindne...
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Summary created by Aspen News Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Kent R. Blackmer, Aspen Times Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the lion’s share of my working life in his company.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Dan Blankenship's legacy at the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority is a testament to the power of dedicated leadership in shaping the trajectory of a vital local institution. His tireless work ethic and kindness have left an indelible mark on the organization, inspiring a culture of excellence that will be difficult to replicate. As the region continues to grapple with the challenges of growth and development, Blankenship's commitment to putting in the hours and making time for employees of all ranks serves as a model for other local leaders. The impact of his leadership can be seen in the daily commutes of thousands of residents and visitors who rely on RFTA's services to navigate the Roaring Fork Valley. As the community looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how Blankenship's successors build on his foundation, balancing the need for efficient transportation with the unique challenges of operating in a mountain environment prone to heavy snow and avalanche risk.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: business ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 3 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Quite simply, Dan Blankenship is the finest human being I have ever met. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the lion’s share of my working life in his company. Dan spent so much time at work that it’s hard to say whether RFTA’s tremendous growth was due more to his work ethic or his kindne...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kent R. Blackmer at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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