Pjetraj Named Director of North Carolina Water Resources
The appointment impacts permitting and regulatory oversight for businesses relying on state water assets.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
Michael Pjetraj has been appointed director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources, succeeding the retired Richard Rogers. Pjetraj brings decades of experience with the Department of Environmental Quality to the role.
Why it matters
The change in leadership at the Division of Water Resources marks a transition in the oversight of state water quality and management. Operators should monitor potential shifts in regulatory interpretation and enforcement priorities as a new director takes charge.
Michael Pjetraj has served in the state Department of Environmental Quality since 1995, compared to his most recent role as deputy director within the Division of Water Resources since 2022. This shift fills the position vacated by the retirement of Richard Rogers.
The players
Michael Pjetraj
The newly appointed director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources and a long-time state environmental engineer.
Richard Rogers
The retired director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources.
The details
Michael Pjetraj transitioned into the top spot after serving as a deputy director within the Division of Water Resources since 2022. He is a registered professional engineer and a certified public manager, with previous experience as deputy director of the Division of Air Quality starting in 2017. His operational history focuses on long-term administrative roles within the state's environmental regulatory infrastructure.
Timeline
1995: Michael Pjetraj joined the Department of Environmental Quality.
2017: Pjetraj became deputy director of Air Quality.
2022: Pjetraj moved to the Division of Water Resources.
August 31, 2026: Richard Rogers retired as director.
September 14, 2026: Pjetraj appointment became effective.
Market Landscape
The leadership change occurs within the established structure of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality regulatory oversight framework. Pjetraj's elevation follows a pattern of promoting long-tenured departmental veterans to lead state environmental divisions.
Business owners in North Carolina should anticipate continuity in current permitting processes while monitoring for new priorities from the new director. Check your pending permit applications for any shifts in departmental processing timelines in the coming months.
The takeaway
The appointment of an internal successor suggests a priority on institutional stability over radical policy shifts. Operators should review current compliance files and state water usage documentation to ensure alignment with existing departmental standards.
Further reading
For more on changes in local administration, visit the North Carolina People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Carolina Coast Online.
