Dave Wiesner is a seasoned and highly decorated leader in United States Air Force aviation maintenance and logistics, whose distinguished career spans over three decades of continuous impact across active duty, civilian federal service, and defense contracting. A results-oriented executive with deep operational insight, Dave currently serves as the Deputy Director for the 58th Maintenance Group (MXG) at Kirtland AFB, NM, a role in which he oversees 903 military and civilian personnel supporting critical aviation programs and multi-airframe maintenance for some of the Air Force’s most mission-essential aircraft, including the UH-1N, HH-60G/W, CV-22, and AC/HC/MC-130J platforms.
From battlefield operations in Kandahar to strategic logistics at Air Force headquarters, Dave has consistently brought cohesion, innovation, and measurable success to each of his leadership roles. As Deputy Director at both the 58th MXG and the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), he led large, cross-functional teams in environments requiring precision planning, continuous process improvement, and steadfast execution. His ability to inspire unity of purpose has made him a go-to senior technical advisor, where he has influenced multi-billion dollar fleet decisions, optimized Annual Flying Hour Programs, and implemented the Theory of Constraints to drive higher performance in resource-constrained environments.
Dave’s leadership prowess is matched by his deep technical expertise in maintenance operations, weapons safety, nuclear certification, and strategic planning. While serving as the Air Force Chief of Weapons Safety, he directed all Air Force-wide safety and testing programs, chaired multiple certification boards for nuclear and conventional munitions systems, and developed safety protocols for cutting-edge defense technologies, including the F-35 Electro Optical Targeting System and the GBSD. His stewardship enabled groundbreaking policies for bomber and missile programs that continue to shape the Air Force’s future weapons enterprise.
In combat zones and stateside commands alike, Dave has demonstrated unparalleled agility and foresight. In Kandahar, Afghanistan, he led a 365-day tour that brought vital continuity to high-tempo operations, overseeing maintenance for 125 aircraft supporting over 226,000 combat hours. His hands-on leadership style, combined with diplomatic acumen, unified 12 diverse units into a mission-ready force. Meanwhile, at Cannon AFB, NM, he transformed fragmented maintenance groups into an award-winning enterprise, earning multiple Air Force Maintenance Effectiveness Awards and Secretary of Defense accolades.
Dave’s impressive academic foundation includes a Master of Science in Aviation Operations and Safety from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Magna Cum Laude) and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University (Cum Laude). He holds numerous certifications, including PMP, CSCP, Nuclear Certification, FAA Commercial Pilot license, and Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt. His commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in continued professional development through Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and specialized logistics and acquisition training.
With Top Secret security clearance and a deep understanding of classified weapons systems, Dave has earned the trust of senior defense leaders and the recognition of his peers. He is a member of professional associations such as the Air Force Association, Air Commando Association, and Society of Logistics Engineers. Among his many accolades are the 2022 Air Force-level LtGen Leo Marquez Award, multiple AETC and Air Force maintenance awards, and the 2021 58th SOW Civilian of the Year.
A strategic leader, innovative problem-solver, and steadfast mentor, Dave Wiesner continues to elevate the mission readiness of the U.S. Air Force. His blend of technical mastery, people-centered leadership, and policy-shaping vision ensures that every program he leads is ready for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s conflicts.
Character
Dave Wiesner exemplifies integrity, accountability, and service-driven leadership forged through decades of military and civilian service, consistently earning recognition for excellence while fostering unity and high morale across diverse, high-performing teams.
Knowledge
With advanced degrees in aviation operations and aeronautical engineering, along with certifications in project management, supply chain, nuclear safety, and Lean Six Sigma, Dave brings a deep and comprehensive understanding of maintenance operations, policy development, and defense logistics.
Strategic
Dave leads with a forward-thinking mindset, driving long-term success by identifying systemic challenges, implementing data-informed process improvements, and aligning workforce capabilities with mission-critical objectives to enhance the operational effectiveness of Air Force programs worldwide.
Communication
Dave is a trusted advisor to senior military leadership, known for his clear, concise briefings, collaborative leadership style, and ability to translate complex technical data into actionable decisions that influence policy, resource allocation, and operational readiness.
