New Interim Director announced

Darin Westby appointed to lead WYDOT

By Mark Horan, with contributions from the Wyoming Governor’s Office and the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources

On March 24, the Wyoming Governor’s Office announced that Darin J. Westby was appointed Interim Director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Westby was one of five names submitted to the Governor from the Wyoming Transportation Commission to fill the position following the retirement of Luke Reiner.

Previously, Westby was the Director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, a position he held since 2016 after serving 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 and holds a civil professional engineering license and a certificate in public management.

“After interviewing all five candidates, it was clear that each was well-suited to lead this important agency,” Governor Gordon said. “Darin’s background in state government, his experience as a professional engineer and with contracting, and his previous work managing a complex state agency complete with law-en- forcement personnel, made him the ideal candidate for this critical interim position.”

“I am honored to be nominated by the Transportation Commission and appointed by the Governor to fill the interim director position,” Westby said. “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.”

In addition to his work with the state, Westby has served on numerous community service boards including the Cheyenne Building Code Board of Appeals. He has also served for over 25 years as a volunteer for Cheyenne Frontier Days, known as the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration. In that capacity he’s held positions as Committee Chairman (Executive Vice President) and General Chairman (Chief Operating Officer).

As Interim Director, Westby will be responsible for overseeing Wyoming’s largest agency, with roughly 2,000 employees.

In an email to WYDOT staff Westby introduced himself and said his first day on the job was a bit of a whirlwind.

“I got the first day under my belt and it definitely felt like I was drinking from the fire hose,” Westby told his new employees. “Thanks for what you do for the agency and the state. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you in the coming weeks.”

Westby will serve as Interim Director while the Wyoming Transportation Commission conducts a search for a permanent director.