Amanda Wanke has been named chief engagement and communications officer for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). In this role, Wanke will lead DART’s marketing, planning, customer service, advertising, RideShare and mobility programs.
“I’m excited to bring together these areas under one leader in order to develop and maintain the most effective and positive community, media, and transit user relationships possible,” said DART General Manager Elizabeth Presutti in announcing the new leadership position and DART’s selection of Wanke. “With more than 15 years of experience in public relations, team leadership, government relations and stakeholder engagement, Amanda’s skills are a great match for this position.”
Wanke comes to DART from the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, where she was communications director. Prior to that she was communications director for Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and press secretary for U.S. Congressman Gil Gutknecht (1st District of Minnesota).
“This is an exciting time to join the talented team at DART and be part of helping develop and promote public transit services that support the ambitious quality of life and economic development plans for our region,” said Wanke. “I look forward to working within the community to grow understanding of and support for public transit.”
Wanke received an M.A. in Organizational Leadership and a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in communications from Bethel University. She is a member of the Central Iowa Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and is an active volunteer in the family’s church and school. Wanke and her husband, Randy, live in West Des Moines with their two children.
Wanke will begin at DART on July 6.
