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DART CEO Abruptly Resigns Amid Financial Irregularities

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. uptly-resigns-amid-financial-irregularities.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, March 12th 2026 at 20:21 GMT by Des Moines Register
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Des Moines, Iowa - March 13th, 2026 - Amanda Wanke has abruptly resigned from her position as CEO of the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), effective immediately. The announcement, made by the agency on Thursday, throws DART into a period of transition and heightened scrutiny following the release of an audit revealing significant financial irregularities.

Michael Meyer, a long-standing member of the DART leadership team, has been appointed as interim CEO, tasked with stabilizing the agency and navigating the fallout from the audit findings. The DART Board of Directors has pledged a comprehensive review of the agency's operational practices and governance structure. While the official reasons for Wanke's resignation remain undisclosed, the timing strongly suggests a connection to the audit's concerning revelations.

The audit, conducted by the independent firm of Miller & Zois, reportedly unearthed discrepancies in several key areas of DART's financial management. Sources close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicate the irregularities potentially involve improper expense reporting, questionable contract awards, and a lack of adequate internal controls. While the full report has yet to be publicly released, preliminary findings point to a systemic failure in oversight, allowing potential misuse of public funds.

"The board takes these findings extremely seriously," stated DART Board President Steve Geissler in a released statement. "We are committed to transparency and accountability, and we will work diligently to address any issues identified by the audit and restore public trust in DART."

This resignation comes at a critical juncture for DART, as the agency is in the midst of implementing a significant expansion of its service network, funded by a recent voter-approved sales tax increase. The expansion, dubbed "Connect DSM," aims to dramatically improve public transportation options throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area, but its success hinges on sound financial management and public confidence. The financial irregularities threaten to derail these ambitious plans and potentially jeopardize future funding opportunities.

Experts in public transit governance suggest that the DART board faces a significant challenge in restoring credibility. "It's not enough to simply replace the CEO," explains Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of public administration at Iowa State University. "The board needs to demonstrate a commitment to fundamental reform, including strengthening internal controls, enhancing transparency, and ensuring robust oversight of all financial transactions. They need to convince the public that this wasn't a one-off incident, but rather a symptom of a deeper, systemic problem."

The impact of Wanke's departure extends beyond the immediate concerns of financial mismanagement. DART has been a vocal advocate for sustainable transportation and equitable access to jobs and services. Wanke, who had served as CEO for the past five years, was a key figure in promoting these initiatives. Her leadership was instrumental in securing funding for the Connect DSM project and building partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.

Interim CEO Michael Meyer brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as DART's Chief Operating Officer for the past decade. However, analysts caution that he faces an uphill battle in restoring public trust and addressing the underlying issues that led to Wanke's resignation. Meyer is expected to prioritize a full review of the audit findings and implement immediate corrective actions to address any identified vulnerabilities.

The DART board has announced a special meeting next week to discuss the audit findings and outline a plan for a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO. In the meantime, the agency is urging the public to remain patient and confident that it is taking all necessary steps to ensure responsible financial management. The full audit report is expected to be released to the public on March 20th, 2026, promising to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Wanke's resignation and the challenges facing DART.