Brian has played a vital role in shaping Portsmouth into a place we’re all proud to call home.”

Town Administrator Richard Rainer, Jr.

PORTSMOUTH — Brian Woodhead, the first man to call whenever there was a road to be plowed, a big tree branch to be cleared, a new park to be graded, or just a small sign that needed mending, is leaving us.

The director of Portsmouth’s Department of Public Works, after 27 years of service, has announced his retirement, effective May 1.

“This decision was not easy, as working for the town has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career,” Woodhead stated in a March 4 letter to Town Administrator Richard Rainer, Jr. “I have had the privilege of working with a talented and dedicated team, and I am deeply grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had to contribute to the community.”

Rainer praised Woodhead’s performance as he announced the news to the Town Council Monday night. 

“Brian has dedicated an incredible 27 years of service to Portsmouth, leading with professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our community,” said Rainer, who has worked closely with Woodhead since the former came aboard as administrator a decade ago.

“I can confidently say that his impact on Portsmouth has been immeasurable,” Rainer continued. “His leadership, tireless work ethic and selfless dedication have earned him the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of an entire community. Brian has played a vital role in shaping Portsmouth into a place we’re all proud to call home. While we will certainly miss him, we will celebrate his well-earned retirement and wish him nothing but happiness and success in this next chapter of his life.”

From fixing a sign in front of town hall to paving our roads and everything in between, Woodhead’s crew did it all, and the director never appeared to complain — no matter how fast the jobs kept piling up.

Department of Public Works Director Brian Woodhead looks over the grounds of Mt. Hope Park in 2019 as his team worked to open the new town-owned park.

RICHARD W. DIONNE, JR.

In 2021, when a big section of Fairview Lane collapsed due to heavy rains, Woodhead was singled out for special praise for his crew’s swift action in getting the road re-opened as quickly as possible for neighbors and emergency vehicles. 

“We are all thankful to him for his leadership and guidance in this matter. RIDOT could learn a lesson from this,” Philip Driscoll wrote in a letter about Woodhead to The Portsmouth Times that year.

Happy trails at dog park

Woodhead, along with Rainer, was also instrumental in working with the Portsmouth Dog Park Committee to establish the town’s first off-leash dog park at Melville Park, including a new trail system that opened last year. 

His crew’s bread and butter, of course, are snow plowing and road paving.

“Brian has gone above and beyond to make sure the Town of Portsmouth is safe; the roads are immeasurably better since he’s taken over,” said Council President Keith Hamilton. “Any time we’ve had a major snowstorm, or major event, it’s almost like it never happened. The command of he and his staff have done a great job taking care of the roads and infrastructure of the Town of Portsmouth.”

Later on in the meeting, Woodhead got another shoutout from Abigail Brown, who chairs the town’s Harbor Commission and heads up efforts to identify local rights of way to the shoreline.

“What you have done to help me with my job over the many years we’ve been doing this together — thank you very much,” Brown told Woodhead.

After Hamilton promised a “big shindig” for Woodhead before he leaves office, members of the council, town staff and audience members gave him a standing ovation.

Rainer said he will recommend Woodhead’s successor at the next council meeting, set for Monday, March 24.