Courtesy photo
A journalist with deep roots in the Eagle River Valley, David O. Williams has returned to the Vail Daily as its business editor. His reporting on critical local issues, particularly water quality, has already garnered significant recognition.
A Valley Veteran Returns
Williams brings decades of experience covering the Eagle River Valley to his new role.
- Williams initially joined the Vail Daily in 1991 as a sports editor.
- He has contributed to over 75 publications, including The New York Times and People Magazine.
- Since 2015, he has regularly freelanced for the Vail Daily and Vail Valley Magazine.
- In 2019, his work on water quality earned a public service award.
- He authored a local history book, “Rod Slifer & the Spirit of Vail,” published in 2023.
Williams first arrived in Vail in 1991, initially serving as sports editor for the Vail Daily. He later transitioned to roles including ski editor, Eagle County reporter, and city editor before venturing to work with publications on both coasts. He returned to the Vail Daily in 1997, and subsequently spent five years with the competing Vail Trail and Daily Trail newspapers, from 1998 to 2003.
Since 2003, Williams has operated as an independent freelance journalist, contributing articles to more than 75 publications, ranging from national outlets like The New York Times to popular magazines such as People. He also founded and managed RealVail.com, serving as its publisher and managing editor since 2007, a role he will now place on indefinite hold.
Focus on Business and Beyond
Since 2015, Williams has consistently freelanced for the Vail Daily and its sister publication, Vail Valley Magazine. His reporting has encompassed a wide array of vital topics, including immigration, international business, transportation, health care, housing, and regional economic conditions. He will continue to cover these subjects, now with a dedicated business focus, while also developing profiles of local businesses.
What were the findings of Williams’ award-winning reporting? In 2019, Williams and the Vail Daily received the prestigious public service award from the Colorado Press Association for their in-depth series on water quality issues at the Eagle River Village mobile home park.
Beyond current events, Williams also delved into local history, publishing “Rod Slifer & the Spirit of Vail” with the Vail Daily in 2023. The book explores the life and legacy of Rod Slifer, a pivotal figure in the founding and development of Vail.
Looking ahead to 2026, Williams expressed his commitment to continuing impactful reporting on critical issues in the Eagle River Valley, aiming to foster solutions and build stronger communities. He resides in EagleVail with his wife, Kristin Kenney Williams, and their two dogs, Chuck and Monty. Their three adult sons live in Bozeman, Montana, and Lafayette, Colorado.
