Robert Malley, Public Works director since 1986, announces retirement effective July 31

Robert C. Malley, director of Cape Elizabeth Public Works since 1986, has announced his retirement from town service effective July 31, 2020.

Malley started his career with Public Works in 1979.

"I am grateful to the citizens for their support of the department and me, but the time has come to start another chapter in the journey of life," said Malley in a letter to the town manager.

Malley recounted many successful endeavors during his tenure, including two major sanitary sewer projects in 1987 and 2006, several road reconstruction and drainage projects, and notable improvements to Fort Williams Park. "I am particularly proud of my contributions to the design and construction of the Public Works Facility in 1999, the roadway improvements to the Elizabeth Park neighborhood in 2006 and the Recycling Center Upgrade Project in 2017," Malley wrote.

Saying that no manager enjoys a long tenure without help, Malley used much of his letter to thank others:

"My wife, Becky, has been there through thick and thin; providing encouragement and moral support throughout my tenure as Director, including clearing our driveway during the winter season while I attended to countless winter storms.

"A tremendous depth of gratitude is owed to former Town Manager, Michael McGovern. Mike appointed me when I was younger and much less experienced than any of my peers at the time. He was there for so much of my career; providing direction, wisdom and guidance along the way.

"In addition, there have been several fellow department heads, elected officials, committee members, consultants, professionals and residents that I owe thanks to. In particular, I would be remiss if I did not mention my mentor and former Fire Chief Charles "Chuck" Wilson. Chuck was on the board that originally interviewed me for this position and I served with him on three municipal committees. I would also like to thank Debra Lane, our Asst. Town Manager/Town Clerk and Stephen D. Harding, P.E., our Town Engineer, for their support and friendship."

Malley went on to thank current Town Manager Matthew Sturgis, but first and foremost, he thanked the Public Works staff, both past and present, "who shared my commitment and dedication by working with me on a multitude of tasks throughout the years.

"It has truly been a team effort," Malley said.

In the News

Photo of eco_Excellence Award recipient from Cape Elizabeth
Robert Malley, town director of Public Works, pictured left, nominated the Cape Elizabeth Recycling Committee for leading the effort to enact a townwide ban on polystyrene foam packaging and fee for single-use plastic bags. Pictured next to Malley are members, from left, Aubrey Miller, Nicole Boucher, Chelsea Torrey, Kara Lavender Law (chair) and Tim Trachimowicz; Troy Moon, city of Portland sustainability coordinator and ecomaine Board of Directors chair; Matthew Sturgis, town manager; and, Kevin Roche, ecomaine general managerPhoto courtesy ecomaine

From left, Town Manager Michael McGovern, Public Works Supervisor Jim Green, Town Council Chair Jessica Sullivan, Public Works Director Robert Malley and Police Chief Neil Williams at the town's annual employee recognition luncheon Aug. 21, 2014. Green, Malley and Williams were recognized for 35 years service. Photo courtesy Debra Lane
Bob Malley accepts Distinguished Service Award from the Maine Resource Recovery Association at its annual conference May 3, 2016
Cape Elizabeth Public Works Director Robert Malley, right, accepts award from Distinguished Service Award from the Maine Resource Recovery Association at its annual conference May 3, 2016
More: Latest News