Press Release: 8/31/2026
Mayor Sciarra Appoints Richard Parasiliti as Director of Public Works
August 28, 2026
NORTHAMPTON – Today, following a thorough search, Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra announced the appointment of Richard Parasiliti, a 37-year City of Northampton employee and the Department of Public Works’ current Highway Superintendent, as Northampton’s next Director of Public Works. If confirmed by the City Council, Parasiliti will succeed Director Donna LaScaleia, who is stepping down August 31 after more than a decade leading the department.
“Rich brings unparalleled knowledge about Northampton and Public Works, but what impressed me most was his vision for the next chapter of the DPW,” shared Mayor Sciarra. “Over 37 years, he has brought sound judgment and creative problem-solving to the department’s work. He embraced sustainable management of our public spaces and led Northampton’s effort to restore and protect our urban forest. With his passion for sustainability and extensive expertise, I am confident that Rich is the right choice to build on the strong foundation of the last decade and lead Public Works forward.”
The Department of Public Works is one of Northampton’s largest and most essential departments, with nearly 100 employees responsible for the city’s roads, sidewalks, parks, athletic fields, cemeteries, drinking water, sewer and wastewater systems, flood-control infrastructure, public shade trees, and fleet operations.
Parasiliti began his career with the City of Northampton in 1989 as Grounds Manager for the Recreation Commission. He joined the Department of Public Works the following year and has since held leadership positions across the department, including General Foreman, Highway Superintendent, Superintendent of Forestry, Parks and Cemeteries, and Tree Warden. He returned to the Highway Superintendent position in April 2026.
Throughout his career, Parasiliti has helped shape Northampton’s approach to public spaces and environmental stewardship. He spearheaded the creation of the Forestry, Parks and Cemeteries Division in 2018, bringing staff from multiple divisions into a unified operation. He oversaw the city’s transition to organic management of municipal parks and playing fields and, as Tree Warden and Chair of the Urban Forestry Commission, has been a driving force behind Northampton’s efforts to restore and expand its urban forest. He also brings extensive experience managing multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets, supervising staff and contractors, and coordinating the city’s response to major storms and other emergencies.
“I am honored and humbled that the Mayor has selected me as the next Director of Public Works for the City of Northampton,” said Parasiliti. “My personal and professional ties to the City, the Department, and the residents we serve run deep. I look forward to working with Public Works staff, the Administration, City Councilors and residents to help keep Northampton full of vitality and a vibrant place to live.”
Parasiliti holds an associate degree in Plant and Soil Sciences, an undergraduate certificate in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, and a Supervisory Leadership Certificate, all from the University of Massachusetts. He is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and Massachusetts Qualified Tree Warden. In 2019, Parasiliti received the 18th annual Seth H. Swift Tree Warden of the Year award from the Massachusetts Tree Wardens’ and Foresters’ Association.
Outside of work, Parasiliti enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and boating on New England’s waterways, and sharing his knowledge of tree planting and care with others.
Mayor Sciarra will submit Parasiliti’s appointment to the City Council for confirmation in accordance with the Northampton Charter, Article 2, § 2-10.
For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at 413-587-1249 or mayor@northamptonma.gov.