The Des Moines Airport Authority Board of Directors has announced 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.”
