City of Bellingham names new director of Public Works Department
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund named a new director of the Public Works Department, 10 months after firing the previous department head.
Joel Pfundt was named to the post, the city said in a statement issued late Tuesday afternoon.
Pfundt has been one of two interim co-directors since Eric Johnston was dismissed last July. Mike Olinger, the other interim co-director, was named deputy director of public works.
“Combined, the two leaders bring decades of experience in transportation planning, utilities and public facilities management, public policy development, and executive leadership to these key city positions,” city spokeswoman Melissa Morin said in the statement, which was posted at the city’s website.
Lund said Pfundt and Olinger were chosen after a nationwide search.
“Joel and Mike have proven themselves as capable leaders in their interim roles,” Lund said. “They share my vision for Bellingham and will help us in our journey from small town to thriving mid-sized city. They have the skills, experience and aptitude to lead the Public Works department into the future, and I’m delighted they’ve accepted these new roles.”
Public Works is the city’s largest department. Its employees manage transportation planning and engineering, traffic and street maintenance and drinking water, stormwater and wastewater. In addition, the department is responsible for natural resources programs and parking.
Pfundt was hired as assistant director of public works for transportation in June 2023 from Kirkland, where he was transportation manager. He grew up in Bellingham and has a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Western Washington University, according to the city’s statement.
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 9:31 AM.
