Mike Nortier, the former commanding officer at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, is one of three finalists for the next director of Island Transit.

One other finalist is also a former top officer at NAS Whidbey, while the third candidate is the only one with transit experience.

The transit board selected the finalists during a meeting last. Interviews and a public meet-and-greet are currently planned for 4:30-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29 at the Island Transit Operations & Administration Building, 19758 State Highway 20 in Coupeville.

Nortier is undoubtedly the best known among the finalists on Whidbey Island. He recently retired after serving as the commanding officer of NAS Whidbey. He has more than 20 years of experience as a Navy officer and was known for being active in the Oak Harbor community while leading the base.

Nortier has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla., and a master’s degree in aviation safety systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Pensacola, Fla.

Christopher Phillips retired as the executive officer at NAS Whidbey in 2014 — after a 32-year-career — and took a job as management services director for the City of Mukilteo.

Phillips has a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Brandman University in California, and a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Air Command & Staff College.

The third candidate is Robert LaFontaine, who has been general manager for Twin Transit, a public transportation benefit area in Lewis County since 2011.

Prior to that, he was with the City of Bullhead City, Ariz., for over four years, first serving as administrative analyst in the city manager’s office, then transit manager for the city’s transit department.

LaFontaine has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Washington State University and master’s degree in public administration from Eastern Washington University.

The Island Transit board narrowed the candidates for the executive director position from 15 applications to four candidates during a March 3 executive session. In doing so, they may have violated the Open Public Meetings Law by making a decision about candidates behind closed door.

At that time, the board directed the executive search firm to contact the four finalists and see if they were willing to go forward with a public interview process.

Ken Graska, the interim director, opted not to seek the position permanently.

The position pays from $110,000 to $130,000 with benefits.