Gov. Mark Gordon on Friday announced the appointment of Darin Westby as interim director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
Luke Reiner had served as director since 2019. Gordon announced Reiner’s retirement March 9, in a short, three-paragraph statement.
Experienced Candidate
Westby was one of five names submitted to the governor by the Wyoming Transportation Commission to fill the position.
Westby has served as director of Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources since 2016 after spending 15 years with the agency and 18 years in state government. He has more than 28 years of experience in the environmental, architectural, engineering, construction and management fields.
Westby earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming. He also holds a Civil Professional Engineering license and a certificate in public management.
The governor cited Westby’s experience in state government, engineering, contracting and managing law-enforcement personnel as why he was selected over the other candidates. WYDOT also oversees the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
“After interviewing all five candidates, it was clear that each was well-suited to lead this important agency,” Gordon said in a statement announcing the selection.
‘Honored’
Westby said in a statement that he’s “honored” to be appointed.
“I am excited to work with all of the agency’s commissions, programs and employees to further the mission of supporting Wyoming’s economy by providing a safe and effective transportation system,” Westby said.
The governor also announced that Dave Glenn will serve as acting director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. Glenn has worked for the agency since 2015, and now serves as deputy director of State Parks and oversees the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Office.
Westby will remain interim director while the Wyoming Transportation Commission conducts a search for a permanent director.
Other Candidates
WYDOT is the state of Wyoming’s largest agency with roughly 2,000 employees. Its responsibilities include highway maintenance, providing law enforcement on the roadways, supporting aviation and providing motor vehicle and driver licensing services.
The other candidates nominated for the position were all ranking officials at WYDOT.
• Dennis Byrne, WYDOT chief financial officer
• Tom DeHoff, WYDOT assistant chief engineer for operations
• Mark Gillett, WYDOT chief engineer
• Taylor Rossetti, WYDOT support services administrator
