Fairfield Welcomes New Public Works Director

Outgoing Director Praised for Outstanding Achievements

First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced today that Joseph Michelangelo, P.E. will serve as the Town’s new Public Works Director beginning September 6, 2012. Mr. Michelangelo will replace Richard White who is retiring after 27 years of service. 

Mr. Michelangelo is a licensed professional engineer who holds Bachelor's Degrees in Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering from the University of New Haven.  He has also earned a Master's Degree in Environmental Management from Yale University.

Mr. Michelangelo has been employed by Connecticut municipalities for the past 25 years. He has served for the last ten years with the Town of Cheshire, the last nine as the Director of Public Works/Town Engineer.  Prior to working for the Town of Cheshire, Mr. Michelangelo was the Director of Public Works/Town Engineer for the Town of Oxford for nearly four years.  Earlier in his career, he served as the Deputy Director of Public Works for the Town of Monroe and was Assistant Engineer for the City of Shelton.

Mr. Michelangelo is a lifelong Connecticut resident and lives in Branford with his wife Michelle and their three daughters.

First Selectman Mike Tetreau said, “I am very pleased to welcome Joseph Michelangelo in his new role as Fairfield’s Public Works Director.   Mr. Michelangelo’s vast amount of experience and knowledge will be vital in serving our resident’s needs and running one of the Town’s largest departments.  As Town Hall welcomes Mr. Michelangelo, it is also fitting to praise our outgoing Public Works Director, Rich White, who has been one of the Town’s most productive, professional and hands-on employees.  I know I speak on behalf of many employees and residents when I say he will be sorely missed.   On behalf of the Town, I wish Rich all the best in his retirement and thank him for his outstanding dedication to our community.”

Mr. Michelangelo said, “The Fairfield Public Works Department has long had an outstanding reputation. While leaving the Town of Cheshire is difficult, the opportunity to lead the Fairfield Public Works Department is one that I could not pass up.  The breadth of activities and amount of projects that the Department is involved in is truly remarkable, as is the quality of work.  I am committed to continuing the legacy of public service to the community and the high standards that were set by outgoing Director Richard White and Frank Daniels before him.”

Mr. White said, “Having participated in the interview process, I am very pleased that Joe Michelangelo was chosen to be my successor.   He is a very talented engineer and public works director who serves a well-run Town such as ours.  He is inheriting a department with very hard working, conscientious, and creative employees.”