Havranek: 'My Whole Life Changed When I Came to Peekskill'

Brian Havranek, Peekskill's acting city manager, will wrap up his 28 years with the municipality next month.

"I had some news about some medical issues I'm going to deal with," he said during a press conference Thursday. " ... And really, the job is just too demanding to be sidetracked."

Mayor Mary Foster and Councilwoman Kathleen Talbot said Havranek "will be missed." Talbot complimented him on always having a "steady hand" and seeing the "big picture." 

"I'll miss this place, too," Havranek said. He noted that before the City of Peekskill, he was in the construction industry, and this type of role was "the farthest thing" from his mind.

A big believer that "everything happens for a reason," Havranek said he's "just thrilled" he took the opportunities that came his way. He met his wife, who was a deputy city clerk, during his time with Peekskill. They bought a house and raised a family here.

"My whole life changed when I came to Peekskill," he said. "For the better."

Anthony Ruggiero—who worked for the city for years, but most recently served as Putnam County's commissioner of planning—is set to take on the role of Peekskill city manager. He'll start in mid-July.