Effective Sept. 14, Michael Pjetraj has been named the director of the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Water Resources (DWR). He replaces Richard Rogers, who retired Aug. 31.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, Pjetraj first joined DEQ in 1995 in the Division of Air Quality (DAQ) as an Environmental Engineer and served in a variety of supervisory and leadership roles to eventually become the Deputy Director of DAQ in 2017. In 2022, Pjetraj transitioned to DWR as one of two deputy directors. He is a Registered Professional Engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors and is a Certified Public Manager.
“DWR is responsible for many key programs protecting waters of the state, and we are excited to have Michael lead DWR as the latest achievement in a long career serving the people of North Carolina,” DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson said. “I also want to express my appreciation for Richard Rogers’ 15 years of service with DEQ.”
Rogers served as director of DWR beginning in 2022, with a previous tenure at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as Assistant Secretary of Natural Resources, Director of Conservation and Community Affairs, and Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. He also served as the executive director of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund from 2007-2013.
DWR is responsible for the environmental protection and quality of the State’s surface water and groundwater, and to ensure safe drinking water for its residents. For more information, see the DWR website.