Behind the Takeoff with Karen Devane

At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), safety is more than our number one priority—it’s a deeply embedded culture. Behind the scenes, a devoted team works tirelessly to protect the well-being of travelers, employees, and stakeholders. Leading that charge is Karen Devane, the Occupational Health and Safety Division Manager, whose drive, empathy, and strategic vision have helped make safety a shared responsibility and a visible value at AUS.

From England to Austin, A Journey of Passion, Purpose, and Unwavering Safety Leadership

Her journey to AUS is as unique as her expertise. Originally from England, Karen’s career began in social work and criminology. “I completed my Social Work certification and worked as a counselor at a sexual assault crisis center,” she shares. Seeking to understand criminal intent, she pursued a path in criminology before making a major life transition that ultimately led her to aviation safety.

Her connection to aviation began early, watching The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s world-renowned precision flying team. Life brought her to the U.S. when her then-husband was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base, now the site of AUS—where today she plays a key role in building a strong culture of safety throughout the airport.

Karen joined AUS in 2007 as a Performance Consultant in the airport’s Human Resources Division. Over time, her leadership skills and unwavering focus on wellbeing led her to the role of Facilities Division Manager in 2012.

Since starting her career at AUS in 2007, Karen has witnessed remarkable passenger growth. Back then, the airport served 8.7 million travelers, a number that has now skyrocketed to nearly 22 million passengers annually, showcasing AUS’s incredible expansion over the years.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Karen was called to lead safety recovery and resiliency efforts, stepping into the Safety Division in 2020. “I was tasked with leading the airport’s safety recovery efforts and resiliency realignment,” she explains. Since then, she has infused purpose, clarity, and urgency into every corner of AUS’s safety efforts.

Today, as the Occupational Health and Safety Division Manager, Karen ensures safety is not just a checklist but a core value embraced by all. “It’s not about compliance for compliance’s sake,” she often reminds her team. “It’s about making sure every person here gets to go home safe at the end of the day.”

The Safety Division at AUS plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, resilient environment for both travelers and employees. “Our goal is to uphold the highest safety standards across all airport operations,” Karen says. This includes policy development, regulatory compliance, inspections, and ongoing training—but also relationship-building and open dialogue.

Karen’s leadership emphasizes both systems and people. She believes culture is built in daily conversations, shared safety learning moments, and the example leaders set. One of her proudest achievements is cultivating that mindset throughout the organization.

When asked about the most important aspects of airport safety, Karen emphasizes three key areas:

• Emergency Procedures and Exits – “Knowing the nearest emergency exits and following instructions during an emergency can make a critical difference.” AUS conducts regular drills to prepare for various situations, including fire alarms, severe weather, and evacuations.
• Safe Navigation of Airport Facilities – “The airport is a fast-paced environment. Passengers should use caution, hold onto handrails, and supervise children.” Employees play a crucial role in assisting travelers and reporting potential hazards.
• Security Awareness and Reporting – “Following TSA guidelines and reporting unattended bags or suspicious behavior helps keep everyone safe.” The Safety Division collaborates closely with the Airport Communications Division to respond swiftly to concerns.

For Karen, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing safety values take root in others. “When the light bulb comes on and they realize safety is about them—it’s about being able to come back to work tomorrow—that’s when I know we’re getting through.”

She acknowledges the challenge of balancing safety with the fast pace of airport operations and work life in general. “We all have tasks to accomplish, but making time for safety training and engagement is essential. It’s what keeps everything else possible.”

Karen and her team work closely with skilled trades and frontline workers—often behind the scenes—to ensure they have the tools, training, and confidence to stay safe on the job. “These employees handle power tools, chemicals, and heavy equipment. It’s our job to make sure they know how to use them properly and have the right protective gear,” she explains. “But it’s also about building trust and showing them their safety matters every single day.”

For those looking to break into the aviation industry, Karen offers this advice:

• “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Passion and persistence are key in this field.
• “Internships and entry-level jobs are gold.” Starting as an intern or in a customer service role with an airline can open many doors.
• “Get the right education and certifications.” Formal training can set candidates apart in a competitive industry.

Karen’s story is a powerful reminder that safety is not just about policies—it’s about people, and the leadership that empowers them. Her dedication, adaptability, and genuine care have shaped a safety culture that reaches every corner of AUS.

In her free time, Karen enjoys getting lost in a good book, baking traditional British treats, and spending time by the sea.

As the airport continues to grow, her influence ensures that safety is not just a division, but a mindset—shared, lived, and championed across the entire organization.