Bellingham names new leaders of Public Works Department

Mayor Kim Lund appointed Joel Pfundt as the new public works director and Mike Olinger as deputy director of Bellingham's Public Works Department. Both have served as interim co-directors since the dismissal of the previous director last July. Lund emphasized that this change is a strategic move to foster better teamwork in the department. She praised the duo for their leadership skills and shared vision for transforming Bellingham from a small town into a thriving mid-sized city. The addition of the deputy director role responds to the department's wide range of responsibilities.

Lund conducted a nationwide search before making her decision, highlighting the importance of local leadership. Pfundt and Olinger have demonstrated their ability to complement each other’s strengths in their interim roles. This leadership shift is expected to enhance the department's effectiveness in serving the community.