Westport Public Works Director Announces Retirement

WESTPORT, CT — Westport Public Works Director Peter Ratkiewich will retire effective Aug. 31, First Selectman Kevin Christie announced Monday.

"It is with regret that I accept Pete’s retirement letter," Christie said in a statement. "The Town of Westport has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his expertise and knowledge for more than 36 years. Under his leadership, and among many other accomplishments, the Town has maintained and improved its infrastructure, roadways, engineering capabilities, and equipment; strengthened coordination with public utilities and the State of Connecticut; and successfully managed numerous emergency response efforts during major storms impacting our community."

Ratkiewich began his career with Westport in 1989 as deputy town engineer and was appointed town engineer in October 2008. In that role, he supervised the Engineering Department and oversaw planning and administration of municipal infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewers, stormwater systems, refuse and recycling facilities, road maintenance, parking areas, and roadway improvements.

In 2018, Ratkiewich was named director of the Public Works Department, where he managed operations related to infrastructure maintenance, emergency response during major storms, and coordination with state agencies and public utilities.

Christie credited Ratkiewich with helping maintain and upgrade town infrastructure and said public safety and employee well-being were priorities during his tenure.

Ratkiewich holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Northeastern University and is a registered professional engineer in Connecticut and Maine. He is also registered with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

"On behalf of the entire Town, his colleagues and friends, I thank Pete for his exceptional service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement," Christie said.

The town will begin a search for a new public works director in the near future.