Michael Pjetraj Appointed Water Resources Director
North Carolina has named a veteran environmental engineer to lead its Division of Water Resources.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
Michael Pjetraj has officially assumed the role of director for the North Carolina Division of Water Resources. He succeeds Richard Rogers, who retired from the position on August 31.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a leadership transition within the state agency tasked with managing North Carolina's vital water supplies. Pjetraj brings decades of state-level environmental experience to this key regulatory oversight role.
Pjetraj has served within the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality since 1995. His career includes leadership roles as deputy director of Air Quality starting in 2017 and as deputy director of Water Resources beginning in 2022.
The players
Michael Pjetraj
He is the newly appointed director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources and a career state employee.
Richard Rogers
He is the former director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources who retired in August 2026.
The details
Pjetraj is a registered professional engineer and a certified public manager who has spent his entire career within the state department. His transition to the top post follows a tenure that spans both the air and water quality divisions of the state agency.
Timeline
Pjetraj joined the Department of Environmental Quality in 1995.
He became deputy director of Air Quality in 2017.
He moved to the Division of Water Resources in 2022.
Richard Rogers retired as director on August 31, 2026.
Pjetraj's appointment became effective September 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership change occurs within a highly regulated state agency responsible for implementing the North Carolina Clean Water Act of 1971. The shift reflects a continuity of technical expertise as the state navigates complex environmental compliance and infrastructure demands.
The transition to new leadership at the Division of Water Resources will influence how the state manages local water quality permits and infrastructure projects. Residents and businesses may see shifts in regulatory oversight priorities as Pjetraj assumes his new responsibilities.
The takeaway
The appointment of a long-term agency insider signals a focus on institutional stability for North Carolina's water management. Professionals interacting with state agencies can expect continued focus on established engineering standards under the new leadership.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership updates at North Carolina People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Carolina Coast Online.
