Leadership Category: Executive Directors

Benjamin Leischner, A.A.E.

Benjamin Leischner, A.A.E., joined the Quad Cities International Airport as the executive director in 2018. During his time at the helm, Leischner created an ambitious roadmap to improve the passenger experience through adding amenities and embarking on a major terminal upgrade, as well as renew the organization’s focus on infrastructure, accountability and taking a more prominent role as an economic engine for the Quad Cities region.

Leischner previously worked for the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for 7 years, holding positions of increased levels of responsibility. He most recently served as Airport Operations Manager/Airline Scheduling Manager. He has previous experience with the Port of Bellingham, Bellingham International Airport, and DY Consultants. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation management and flight operations from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska.

Javier Centeno

Javier Centeno is the Assistant Director of Aviation Operations for the City of Dallas Department of Aviation, where he provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the city’s aviation portfolio, including Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Dallas Executive Airport (RBD). With over 15 years of progressive industry experience, Javier specializes in managing both high-volume commercial hub operations and complex reliever general aviation infrastructure.

In his role, Javier is responsible for the Airport Operations division. He leads the airside, terminal, training, compliance, and safety teams, directing them as a single, high-performance unit. His leadership at Dallas Love Field helped achieve the airport’s first-ever recorded discrepancy-free FAA Part 139 Periodic Inspection, a milestone that demonstrates his commitment to safety and federal regulatory standards. At Dallas Executive Airport, Javier serves as a vital advisor on airport development and infrastructure safety management, ensuring the facility remains a premier gateway for the region.

Beyond operational management, Javier is a recognized voice in national aviation governance. He represents the City of Dallas on the Board of Directors of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) and serves on the Texas Board of Directors of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) South Central Chapter.

Javier holds a Master of Business Administration in Airport Management from the University of Central Missouri and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. He is a bilingual leader and a highly decorated professional, holding the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation alongside four Airport Certified Employee (ACE) specializations in Airfield Operations, SMS, Planning and Environmental, and Finance.

Jeff Mulder

More than 30 years of aviation and transportation experience and more than 20 years as a CEO at Appleton, Tulsa, Ft. Myers, and Oklahoma City. Past National Chairman of American Association of Airport Executives, recipient of Distinguished Service Award, and 2016 Airport Revenue News Airport Director of the Year. Commercial multi- engine pilot and flight instructor.