Episode Summary
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we sit down with Dan Wiles, Assistant Treasurer for Los Angeles County and newly appointed MSRB Board Member, as he reflects on his nearly 40-year career in public finance and prepares for retirement.
Join host Tyler Traudt and guest co-host Nina Enholm as they explore Dan’s remarkable journey—from growing up in a small town in Minnesota to becoming a leader in municipal finance for one of the largest counties in the U.S. Dan shares his path from law school to public finance, recounting career-defining moments, including his pivotal role in the landmark 2013 financing of the Riverside County SR-91 Corridor Improvement Project. Dan takes us through the intricacies of structuring multi-layered deals involving sales tax, toll revenue bonds, and federal TIFIA loans while navigating challenges like volatile markets and rigorous rating requirements.
In this episode, you’ll gain insight into the teamwork, innovation, and strategic decision-making that shaped the success of this $1.4 billion transportation project, which continues to benefit Southern California commuters today.
As Dan prepares to leave LA County, he reflects on his legacy and new role on the MSRB, offering valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration, and the lasting impact of public finance.
Featured Guest
Dan Wiles is the Assistant Treasurer and Tax Collector for Los Angeles County, overseeing the Finance Branch of the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office (TTC). His responsibilities encompass Public Finance, Cash Investments, and Defined Contribution Plan Investments, where he brings nearly 40 years of extensive experience in public finance and investment management.
Since his appointment to this role in 2019, Dan has played a pivotal part in managing the financial strategies and operations for one of the largest counties in the United States. Before joining the TTC, Dan served as Principal and Chief Compliance Officer at Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates, Inc., a leading municipal advisory firm, where he spent 17 years providing strategic guidance and compliance oversight. His career also includes roles as a financial and investment advisor, as well as bond and underwriters counsel, giving him a well-rounded expertise in public finance.
Dan earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics, magna cum laude, and Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota, where he also served as an editor for the Minnesota Law Review. He holds MSRB licenses as a Municipal Advisor Representative (Series 50), Municipal Advisor Principal (Series 54), and Registered Investment Advisor (Series 65).
Top Takeaways From Episode 18
(1) The SR-91 Corridor Improvement Project: Dan shares the story behind the $1.4 billion Riverside County SR-91 Corridor Improvement Project, highlighting innovative financing solutions like toll revenue bonds, sales tax-backed bonds, and federal TIFIA loans.
(2) Collaboration and Team Dynamics: Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, Dan describes how aligning underwriters, bond counsel, and project managers created a family-like environment that contributed to the project’s ultimate success.
(3) A New Chapter with the MSRB: Dan discusses his new role as an independent public member on the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), where he aims to apply his extensive experience to improve public finance and foster innovation in the field.
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