2021 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Dave Schaumburg, A.A.E.

David J. Schaumburg has served as the principal deputy director for the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) since March 2017. He oversees all operations and maintenance functions at SGF.

Schaumburg started his career working line service at an FBO, eventually becoming a licensed private pilot and A&P mechanic, working in operations and management at Kansas City International airport (MCI) and Denton Enterprise Airports, and attaining the status of Accredited Airport Executive.

“Aviation is a fascinating industry that has come so far in its relatively short life.  Just over 100 years ago we were still only trying to get off the ground and now we have an international network of airports, controlled airspace, and aircraft that meet daily needs of individuals, families, small businesses, and large corporations,” he said.  “It has stimulated economic growth, increased foreign trade, changed homeland defense, and promoted tourism from regional and international perspectives.” 

Schaumberg has earned the respect of his diverse employee group and is always willing to help them do what it takes to get the job done. He holds himself to very high standards and brought innovation, professionalism, and enthusiasm to this position.

He streamlined preventive maintenance and improved reliability of the airport’s jet bridges and baggage system. He also worked with the city’s public works department to donate and install hundreds of native shrubs around a new economy parking lot to make it more attractive and reduce drive off incidents.

Schaumberg also worked with the FAA regional office to better position and eventually receive a major federal discretionary grant to complete a needed taxiway reconstruction project at SGF, which project was delivered on time and within budget.

“Working at a growing small hub airport like SGF gives you exposure to nearly all facets of aviation.  We have commercial service, cargo, military, corporate and general aviation all on the same field which all play into the dynamic workplace that I really enjoy,” he said. “While my job is primarily focused in the office environment I still have plenty of reasons to get outside the office either out on the airfield or off the airport doing community involvement.” 

Schaumberg uses innovation to improve airport operations and efficiency on a regular basis. This included using a lull in activity during the pandemic to complete several needed maintenance projects that would have been difficult during normal operations.

He developed and implemented policies and procedures during the pandemic to keep employees safe while also ensuring continuity of operations to keep the airport open during some very dark days. As a result, SGF fared better than many similar airports and is rebounding from a strong position.

Schaumberg is the immediate past chair of the Missouri State Aviation Council; current vice president of the Missouri Airport Managers Association; and serves on the Aviation Advisory Council of Ozarks Technical Community College. He is active in Rotary and the Technical Advisory Committee of the Ozarks Transportation Organization.

He also regularly answers requests from general aviation airports in Missouri for technical assistance.