From philosophy and financial services to aviation, Mark Duebner has had quite a journey to the post he faithfully served during his 11 years with the Department of Aviation.

After 27 years with the City of Dallas, Duebner will retire as Director of Aviation on November 8, 2022. Since stepping into leadership in 2011, Duebner has overseen the complete transformation of the Dallas Airport System into the transportation powerhouse it is now.

Originally a “cheesehead” from Wisconsin, Duebner moved to Texas during adolescence and later attended the University of Texas in Austin and earned a degree in Philosophy. Then, in 1995, he changed course and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Texas, priming him for a career in public service.

Though Duebner’s professional experience began in the financial sector as an Account Executive, he quickly transitioned to the governmental sector. As an Intern with the City of Lewisville, he implemented and monitored the existing capital improvement program, prepared budget analysis and data for the City Council on the $42 million municipal budget, and was responsible for many other tasks.


Once that internship concluded, Duebner joined the City of Dallas, where he would remain and evolve for almost three decades. Beginning as a management intern in the City Manager’s office, he was soon promoted to a full-time position. He later spent time in Public Works & Transportation, the Efficiency Team, Business Development and Procurement Services, the Dallas Police Department, High-Speed Rail, and Aviation.

“Serving the City of Dallas for the last 27 years has been the most rewarding experience,” said Duebner. “I’ve seen the DFW Metroplex landscape change tremendously and have had the pleasure of working alongside many dedicated civil servants and elected officials who supported the efforts of every department I was blessed to be a part of.”

During his tenure with the Department of Aviation, Duebner oversaw Dallas Love Field, Dallas Executive Airport, and the Dallas Vertiport, amassing quite a list of accomplishments. Some of his most notable include overseeing the construction of the terminal modernization at Love Field and its Garage C, managing the doubling of passenger traffic at Love Field after the expiration of Wright Amendment restrictions, and bringing the Commemorative Air Force's World Headquarters to Dallas Executive Airport. More recently, Dallas Love Field completed its largest airfield project in the airport’s history with the complete reconstruction of Runway 13R-31L under Duebner’s leadership.

Duebner also shared, “It’s been a privilege to contribute to the evolution of one of the most vital transportation systems in Texas, and it has been a true honor to serve the Dallas community.”

While the City of Dallas is losing a remarkable leader, it is gaining an invaluable legacy. Duebner unprecedently led the nation’s busiest medium-hub airport through the COVID-19 pandemic to an impressive recovery and has positioned the entire airport system for continued success. While it is bittersweet, it is with great admiration that the Department of Aviation bids him farewell.