Westport Appoints New Director Of Public Works

WESTPORT, CT — Westport native Laurence "Larry" Roberts has been named Westport's next director of Public Works, First Selectman Kevin Christie announced Friday. Roberts, whose appointment takes effect July 6, replaces Peter Ratkiewich, who is retiring this summer.

Roberts currently serves as director of public works and facility management in Weston. In that role, he oversees highway operations, facility maintenance, fleet management, municipal solid waste operations, capital projects and long-range infrastructure planning.

According to the Christie, Roberts has more than 30 years of public service experience in municipal public works, facilities management, emergency communications and public safety.

During his tenure in Weston, Roberts oversaw state- and federally funded bridge replacement projects, managed water infrastructure improvements, administered operating and capital budgets, and led a multi-division public works department.

Before joining Weston, Roberts served as director of the Weston Communications Center. He also spent more than 20 years with the Greenwich Fire Department, where he retired as deputy fire chief.

"Larry brings extensive experience managing personnel, budgets, facilities, infrastructure, and emergency operations," Christie said in a statement. "He has successfully led multi-division municipal departments, overseen complex capital projects, and built strong working relationships across organizations. I am excited to welcome him back to Westport and look forward to working together."

Roberts holds a Master of Science in Fire Science/Public Administration from the University of New Haven, a Bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program.

"I am honored by the opportunity to serve the Town of Westport," Roberts said. "Westport is a community I have long known and respected. I look forward to working with Town leadership, staff, and residents to maintain and enhance the infrastructure and services that are so important to the community."