Des Moines International Airport Appoints New Executive Director, Brian Mulcahy
November 13, 2024
Des Moines, IA (November 13, 2024) — The Des Moines Airport Authority Board of Directors is
pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Mulcahy as the next Executive Director of Des Moines
Airport Authority. Mulcahy, who joined the Authority in 2011 and currently serves as Assistant
Executive Director, will assume his new role upon the retirement of current Executive Director Kevin
Foley in April 2025.
"When we filled the Assistant Executive Director role two years ago, we conducted a nationwide
search to ensure we had the right candidate ready to lead DSM in the future," said Jake Christensen,
Chair of the Airport Authority Board. "Brian was that ideal choice then, and we are confident in his
vision and capability to guide Iowa’s Airport into its next phase."
As Executive Director, Mulcahy will oversee key projects that mark a transformative era for Des
Moines International Airport, including the current construction of a new parking garage and terminal.
“I’m truly honored to be selected by the Board for this role,” said Mulcahy. “This is an exciting time for
the airport, and we are blessed to have a very strong team of Airport Authority employees. I
appreciate Kevin’s mentorship over the past 13 years, and look forward to leveraging my experience
to continue the strong tradition of providing a safe and secure airport for the benefit of all Iowans.”
Mulcahy’s career with the Authority began as Director of Finance and Administration, where he was
responsible for all financial aspects of the Airport Authority. Prior to joining DSM, he held management
roles in auditing, financial accounting, and operations in the insurance industry. His 34-year career in
the Iowa Army National Guard and US Army Reserves included over two decades as a pilot in the
UH-1 Huey and UH-60 Blackhawk, where he retired at the rank of Colonel. Mulcahy holds a
bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Iowa State University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix,
is a Certified Public Accountant and an Accredited Airport Executive.
“Brian is the right person to bring the first phase of the New Terminal Project to completion and to
build on Airport Authority’s achievements over the past 13 years,” said Foley. “Since 2015, he’s had a
pivotal role in strategic planning, from enabling projects to terminal design, the bond referendum and
the loan agreement with Polk County. With his leadership experience and his involvement in terminal
planning as a member of the Authority’s Project Management Committee, he is the best candidate for
the position.”