CCPC's Senior Graphics Specialist, Chris Bittle, Retires After 37 Years of Service

Posted September 8, 2026

The Chester County Planning Commission's Senior Graphics Specialist, Chris Bittle, retired on September 4 after 37 dedicated years with Chester County.

Chris's career with CCPC began somewhat by accident in 1987. He had planned to spend the summer mowing lawns for the Chester County Parks Department, but an ankle injury changed those plans. After learning that Chris was studying graphic design, a secretary in the Parks Department forwarded his resume to CCPC for a part-time summer graphics position — and he's been here ever since!

Over the years, Chris has helped bring countless CCPC projects and initiatives to life. Among his favorite projects were all three Landscapes comprehensive policy plan documents; the "What Is Open Space?" exhibit at the Chester County Historical Society; and the video created for the Return on Environment report, which the Chester County Commissioners presented at the county's Open Space Summit in spring 2019.

As CCPC's Senior Graphics Specialist, Chris has designed and laid out publications, created logos and graphics, developed posters and displays, and supported events and public meetings for all sorts of county initiatives. He has also taken the majority of CCPC's photographs and filmed and edited most of CCPC's in-house videos. His creative eye has played an important role in how CCPC has shared its work and connected with the public.

Chris leaves behind some very popular office traditions. He carried on "Baked Goods Wednesday" (formerly Friday before Covid) over the last 10+ years, and started "Third Thursdays," where a group of staff members visit a local restaurant for lunch each month. Chris is also known for creating personalized cartoon cards for his coworkers — many of which have been kept and cherished for decades.

As an avid traveler, Chris is known for his trips throughout the U.S. and the world, in which one of his favorites is traveling up the coast to Maine (if you have any questions — he's your guy!). We have no doubt that Chris will do much more traveling during his retirement.

We know one thing is for certain — Chris is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Becky; daughter, Dory; dog, Sam; and two cats, Blackie and Callie.

We're so grateful that an unexpected change of plan brought Chris to CCPC all those years ago. His contributions have left a lasting mark on the department and on planning throughout Chester County.

We will miss Chris greatly and wish him many, many wonderful adventures in his retirement!