Northampton appoints Richard Parasiliti as new Public Works director
Parasiliti, a 37-year city employee, will lead the nearly 100-person department responsible for Northampton's roads, parks, water systems, and more.
NORTHAMPTON — Richard Parasiliti, who spent 37 years working for the city, has been appointed director of the Department of Public Works by Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra. Parasiliti, who most recently served as highway superintendent, said he is focused on learning the director role and strengthening relationships across city departments.
The DPW oversees nearly 100 employees responsible for roads, sidewalks, parks, athletic fields, cemeteries, drinking water, sewer and wastewater systems, flood-control infrastructure, public shade trees, and fleet operations. Sciarra said Parasiliti's extensive experience and vision for sustainability made him the right choice. "Rich brings unparalleled knowledge about Northampton and Public Works, but what impressed me most was his vision for the next chapter of the DPW," she said.
Parasiliti began his city career in 1989 as grounds manager for the Recreation Commission and joined the DPW the following year. He has held multiple leadership positions across the department, including general foreman and superintendent of Forestry, Parks and Cemeteries. According to the city, he spearheaded the creation of the Forestry, Parks and Cemeteries Division in 2018 and oversaw the transition to organic management of municipal parks and playing fields.
As tree warden and chair of the Urban Forest Commission, Parasiliti has led efforts to restore and expand Northampton's urban forest. He received the Seth H. Swift Tree Warden of the Year award from the Massachusetts Tree Wardens' and Foresters' Association in 2019.
Parasiliti holds an associate degree in plant and soil sciences and an undergraduate certificate in arboriculture and urban forestry from the University of Massachusetts. He is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist.
A priority for Parasiliti is supporting staff and addressing staffing challenges. He said many municipalities across Massachusetts struggle to retain and attract full-time positions. "It's about really retaining all the staff that we personally have and working with them to make sure they are getting the support they need in order to provide services to the residents," he said.