Dwain Keith Dungen was born September 21, 1960 in Columbus in what is now the city hall but was then the hospital.  After beginning his career in the accounting department of a construction company, he spent five years as a vice-president of Fayette Savings, then opened his own financial planning business.

Mr. Dungen was sworn in as mayor on May 13, 1991 and served until May 22, 1995.  He was the youngest person and the first native of Columbus to be elected mayor since the city was re-incorporated in 1927.  During his tenure, the city initiated a program to regularly replace and repair declining equipment and infrastructure, improved the administration of city business by modernizing procedures and equipment, secured numerous grants, and purchased property on the north side of town.

In addition to his work in city government, Mr. Dungen has served as chairman of the Colorado County Economic Development Committee, as president of the Columbus Noon Lions Club and of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, as vice-president of the Columbus Quincentennial Commission, as treasurer of the Colorado County Fair Association, and as member of the Colorado County Jail Advisory Committee, the Colorado County Airport Advisory Committee, the Knights of Columbus Council 2971, and served as president of the Columbus Community Industrial Development Corporation.