Manchester Public Works Director Tim Clougherty plans to retire around Jan. 1, ending a 27-year municipal career that included leadership of some of the city’s largest construction and infrastructure projects.
Clougherty notified Mayor Jay Ruais in a memo dated Oct. 27. He began working for Manchester in December 1999 as a facilities engineer, overseeing construction projects for schools and municipal buildings. He later became chief facilities manager in 2004 and deputy public works director in 2008.
“The people I have worked with have been the most rewarding part of my career, making my time with the city both meaningful and fulfilling. I am truly thankful for those relationships and experiences.”
Clougherty spent 14 years as the department’s deputy director before city aldermen confirmed him as public works director in July 2022. He succeeded Kevin Sheppard, who had retired from the post.
Projects during his tenure
As deputy director, Clougherty led the city’s application for a $25 million RAISE grant and oversaw development of Manchester’s first solar array. As director, he has been responsible for the start of the $428 million Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project, described as the largest public works project undertaken in the city since the construction of the canals two centuries ago.
Ruais also cited Clougherty’s work on the municipal complex, which is set to become the Gatsas Municipal Complex, as well as the CSO project. The mayor said Clougherty’s departure will affect a department that ranks among the largest in New Hampshire.
“Certainly a huge loss for the city, with the amount of work that Department of Public Works does every single day,” Ruais said.
- Clougherty joined the city in December 1999 as a facilities engineer.
- He became deputy public works director in 2008 and director in July 2022.
- His recent responsibilities included the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project, budgeted at $428 million.
Clougherty wrote that his career included working with six mayors, numerous aldermen and city colleagues across several departments. His retirement date is expected to be on or about Jan. 1.
