Ann Richart, A.A.E., has been named the new Director for the Aviation Division of the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), replacing David Fleckenstein, who recently retired.
Richart, who has been the Division of Aeronautics Director for the Nebraska Department of Transportation since 2019, will begin her new position in Washington in May.
Richart told the SAJ that she is excited to be returning to the Pacific Northwest. She was hired as State Airports Manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation in 1997 and was appointed by the Oregon Governor to head the newly formed Oregon Department of Aviation in 1998 when it became a standalone agency.
In her career, Richart has managed a number of airports including Hutchinson Municipal Airport in Kansas, Klamath Falls Airport in Oregon, Elmira Corning Regional Airport in New York and Martha’s Vineyard Airport in Massachusetts.
“For many years I’ve been interested in sustainability, particularly in aviation,” said Richart. “Washington has demonstrated their leadership in this area. It’s exciting to be joining WSDOT and helping to promote green airports and aircraft operations!”
According to several sources, Richart is believed to be the first person to be the director in three different states.
