Aviation

Tim McClung, director

Tim McClung serves as the Aviation Director for the Iowa DOT Modal Transportation Bureau with oversight of aviation programs, initiatives and staff. The director acts as the primary liaison to various governmental agencies and aviation associations as well as local, state, and federal decision-makers. McClung has been with the Iowa DOT since 2003 and is a licensed commercial pilot with seaplane rating, an unmanned aircraft pilot, and has a background in airport and FBO management. Tim is a graduate of the University of Iowa.  

Shane Wright, program manager

Shane Wright is the aviation program manager for Aviation. Shane manages Iowa’s State Aviation Program and coordinates the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program in Iowa. He also works with airspace issues, incompatible land use involving airports, and the aviation system planning process. He is a licensed commercial pilot with a background in airport management and operations. He joined the Office of Aviation in 2015 and is a graduate of the University of Dubuque and University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.  

Mike Marr, airport inspector

Mike Marr's responsibilities include inspecting general aviation airports to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, managing the statewide system of automated weather observation stations, pavement condition reports, runway marking programs, and airport directories. He also administers the facility and equipment program for airport emergency needs.

Marr is a licensed pilot and a graduate of Iowa State University. He began with the Iowa DOT working in the Materials Lab in 1998 and joined Aviation in 2002.

Brian Kuennen, program specialist

Brian Kuennen provides aviation program support for the Modal Transportation Bureau and aviation stakeholders in Iowa. Primary responsibilities include working with the aircraft registration program, where he provides customer service, compliance oversight, and technical support. Brian maintains multiple aviation databases necessary for tracking uses and trends in Iowa’s aviation system. He also provides programming assistance for state and federal aviation programs and coordination of aviation meetings and events. Kuennen is a licensed commercial helicopter pilot in the Iowa Army National Guard. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and was in teaching prior to joining the Office of Aviation in 2016.