WESTPORT–Public Works Director Peter Ratkiewich, who has led his department since 2018, will retire at the end of August, First Selectman Kevin Christie announced today.

Ratkiewich joined the town staff in 1989 as deputy town engineer and became the town engineer in 2008, serving in that post until assuming his current position.

“It is with regret that I accept Pete’s retirement letter,” Christie said. “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.”

The Westport Journal reached out to Ratkiewich with an email after business hours.

The search for Ratkiewich’s successor will begin shortly, Christie’s office said in a release.

As the director, Christie said, Ratkiewich has led his department “with exceptional care and precision. He approaches every challenge with consideration, humor, and a thoughtful awareness of budgetary constraints—always with the best interests of the Town in mind. Public safety, along with the well-being of his employees, residents, business owners, and visitors, has always been his top priority.”

A graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, Ratkiewich is a Registered Professional Engineer in Connecticut and Maine. He is registered with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

“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.