Fairfield Hires New Public Works Director

FAIRFIELD, CT ? Fairfield has hired Frank Petise as its new director of Public Works, replacing John Marsilio, who served as interim Public Works Director until his retirement earlier this summer, officials announced.

Petise will oversee one of the town?s largest departments, which has more than 70 employees handling public works operations, solid waste and engineering. The department?s responsibilities include roads, sidewalks, parking lots, snow and ice removal, stormwater drainage, marina maintenance, public buildings, energy management and the transfer station.

"Fairfield is pleased to welcome Frank Petise to lead our Public Works Department," said First Selectwoman Christine Vitale in a statement. "Operational excellence from that department is crucial to the smooth running of the Town. Frank has the experience and background to lead that department and maintain and improve the services that our residents depend upon. He will also have a central role in our administration?s focus on Complete Streets and Vision Zero initiatives as he has years of experience in addressing municipal transportation issues."

Petise previously served as bureau chief of transportation, traffic and parking in Stamford, where he managed engineering, traffic operations, parking enforcement and mobility planning. Additionally, Petise spent 14 years in engineering roles with the Greenwich Public Works Department.

A 17-year Fairfield resident, Petise holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Connecticut and is pursuing a master?s degree in public administration. He is active in several professional organizations, including the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the American Public Works Association.