His educational background includes a Master of Science and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is a military veteran and received the Air Medal for 45 combat support missions to Vietnam while serving with the 57th Aero-Medical Evacuation Squadron.
During his past tenure as Executive Director, Wanta grew the membership to 190 firms, initiated a monthly safety profession committee, conducted 26 out-of-state Midwinter Conferences, produced newsletters, conducted numerous annual association golf outings, and promoted the underground contracting industry with consulting/municipal engineers and elected officials. He helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for area charities as part of WUCA annual fundraising. He also initiated a WUCA website and helped in labor negotiations.
While serving as WUCA/IIP Executive Director, Wanta received numerous awards and served on the following committees: Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce Legislative and Unemployment Advisory Committees; Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Association committees; Milwaukee Rotary Youth Exchange, Environmental, and Budget Committees; Milwaukee County Private Sector Employment Committee; Operating Engineers Local 139 Health Fund; Management Trustee, Operators Local 139 Apprenticeship & Skill Fund; Treasurer, Public Works Construction Industry Political Action Committee; Milwaukee County Hillside Housing Task Force Committee; Milwaukee County Greater Milwaukee Initiative Committee; and Milwaukee County Harbor Network Committee. He also served as National Utility Contractors Association Executive Directors Council Chairman; Milwaukee Area Society of Public Administrators President; Milwaukee Easterseals Board Member; City of Greenfield Planning Commission Member; and Wisconsin Laborers Health Fund Management Trustee.
