Shane Wright, Director
Shane Wright 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. Wright is a licensed commercial pilot with a background in airport management and operations. He joined the Iowa DOT in 2015 and is a graduate of the University of Dubuque Aviation Program and has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.
Brian Johnson, Program Manager
Brian Johnson manages Iowa’s State Aviation Program and coordinates the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program in Iowa. He also works with the system planning process and the aviation DBE program. Prior to joining the Iowa DOT in 2026, Brian was with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management serving as a planner and spent several years in Colorado directing state-level project management. He has a background working as a corporate pilot, flight instructor, and FBO operations.
Johnson holds Commercial, CFI, and CFII pilot certifications and is a graduate of the University of Dubuque Flight Operations program.
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.
Spencer Vaughn, Program Specialist
Spencer Vaughn provides aviation program support for the Modal Transportation Bureau and aviation stakeholders in Iowa. Primary responsibilities include working with the aircraft registration program, airport project reviews, airport engagement, and aviation system analysis. Spencer holds licenses for both aircraft and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. Prior to joining the Iowa DOT, Spencer was a Central Service manager at a seed research equipment manufacturer, and a photojournalist and chief pilot at KCCI TV in Des Moines, prior to joining the Iowa DOT in 2024.