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    1. Management

    Whatcom Transportation Authority names Les Reardanz as general manager

    Dec. 23, 2020
    Reardanz will begin at the authority on Jan. 5 and will succeed Pete Stark, who is retiring following 25 years with the authority.
    Related To: Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA)
    Headshots courtesy of Whatcom Transit Authority
    Left, Pete Stark, right, Les Reardanz
    Left, Pete Stark, right, Les Reardanz

    The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) Board of Directors has named  Les Reardanz to be WTA's new general manager following a national search. Reardanz will start with WTA on Jan. 5. 

    “We were looking for a new general manager who has personal leadership qualities, a commitment to public service, and a track record of strategic community partnerships,” said WTA’s Board Chairperson Michael Lilliquist. “Les really fits the bill, and we’re excited for him to start. WTA is strong, but we face a public health crisis and other transformational challenges. I am confident that Les is uniquely qualified to build on our strengths and lead WTA through this time and beyond.”

    Most recently, Reardanz served as a Principal and the Chair of the Port Practice Group, for a local Bellingham law firm. Prior to that, he worked at the Port of Everett for almost nine years, serving first as Deputy CEO, then as CEO for his final five years. Reardanz also worked for the city of Bellingham from 1998 to 2011, serving in various leadership positions. He has served in the Navy Reserve for almost 30 years and holds the rank of Rear Admiral. He has a Juris Doctor degree from the Southwestern University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Davis.

    Reardanz will take over from Pete Stark, who is retiring after 25 years at WTA, including seven years as general manager.