Joseph Blackman introduced Gabby Zanzarella, a Stormwater Operations Analyst for High Point, North Carolina, whose role involves protecting water quality, maintaining infrastructure, and environmental stewardship, often in high-pressure situations, requiring adaptability and effective communication. Gabby shared her non-traditional career path, which included a degree in environmental management and experience in urban forestry and nonprofit work, and discussed how their passion for hula hooping unexpectedly reinforced their service mentality and contributed to their professional trajectory. Essential to their success is maintaining an educational approach to resolve conflicts with residents and continuously improving through curiosity and observing peer organizations, with success defined by operational smoothness and residents understanding their impact on water quality, as highlighted by their "Only rain down the drain" campaign. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman welcomed Travis Kearney, Wastewater Collection Supervisor at Carpenteria Sanitary District, to the public works podcast, where Travis outlined his multi-faceted role, including managing 42 miles of pipe, overseeing maintenance and inspections, and maintaining 133 unique E1 grinder pumps in the small beach community. Travis emphasized the importance of a positive mindset and rotating work activities for team development, while also detailing the integration of the Lucidity CMMS system with ArcGIS Pro for work order creation. Travis shared his career path, credited mentors like Ricardo Larude and Mark Bennett, and offered leadership advice, including the importance of staying calm under pressure and encouraging young professionals to step outside their comfort zone. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals. 

Joseph Blackman introduced Lucia Diaz, the Manager of Facilities and Water System Programs for Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), who provided an overview of IEUA's wholesale water services, wastewater treatment, and her extensive role overseeing facilities management, conveyance systems, and physical security. Lucia detailed her career progression from a construction background to being the first female construction coordinator at IEUA, where she successfully managed major projects despite initial challenges, crediting her advancement to continuous learning, mentorship from advocates like Chander Letule, and a focus on essential skill sets such as adaptability, people leadership, and strategic thinking. Throughout the discussion, Lucia emphasized the importance of listening, remaining consistent, and focusing on professional conduct, while also sharing her advice to the community to "Protect your pipes" by only flushing the "three P's." Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman introduced Kristina Ramirez, the City Engineer at Harker Heights, Texas, to discuss her diverse responsibilities, which include managing capital improvement projects (CIP), ensuring compliance for development plans, and prioritizing public communication and transparency. Kristina highlighted that a city engineer's essential skill sets are communication, active listening, and bridging technical knowledge with field realities, sharing that public interaction is vital for their small public works department. The discussion also covered Kristinas non-traditional career path, her transition from the private to the public sector, the use of multiple resources for tracking federal and state regulations, and the value of professional organizations like APWA for networking and professional development, with a focus on encouraging attendance at the PWX conference. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman welcomed Danielle Blacet, Executive Director at the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), who explained that CMUA is a nonprofit trade association representing 86 water, wastewater, and publicly owned electric and gas utilities in California, primarily focusing on advocacy in legislative and regulatory arenas. Danielle highlighted CMUA’s advocacy win, securing $3 billion from the state for Californians to pay overdue water and energy utility bills, and discussed the high level of innovation among CMUA members, including advanced water recycling, AI-integrated operations, and wildfire mitigation projects. Discussions also covered the ongoing efforts by members to educate the public on essential utility operations, Danielles transition into the Executive Director role, and strategies for addressing the "silver tsunami" in the workforce through early education, internships, and highlighting the benefits of utility careers.

Find more at https://www.cmua.org/

Joseph Blackman interviewed Sumant Patel, Manager of Operations Wastewater Services at the City of Guelph, about his professional role, which involves managing daily operations, planning strategic priorities, and ensuring resource support for staff, all while focusing on optimization to reliably deliver wastewater treatment services. Sumant shared his career path from software engineering to wastewater, emphasizing the importance of strategic asset management, financial stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and resilient leadership as essential skills for his current role, and he described how AI is useful in the sector for data management but does not replace the critical need for human operators' skills. Key talking points included Sumants core motivation as a public servant driven by early life water scarcity experiences, lessons learned about asking for support after a career mistake during a night shift, initiatives to address the "silver tsunami" of an aging workforce through knowledge transfer, and a suggested public billboard message to educate citizens on the essential nature of water services. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman welcomed Elia Twigg, CEO of Lantic Solutions, to the public works podcast to discuss Elia Twigg's civil engineering career, ranging from discovering the field in 11th grade and joining UF's "step-up program," to progressing through city roles to become the Public Works Director, and eventually founding Lantic Solutions in 2022. Elia Twigg detailed their experience as a Jennings Randolph Scholarship recipient in 2013, focusing on a study tour in Australia to learn how public works are promoted and public awareness is increased, which led to implementing ideas like water stations and promotional materials based on those used by the Manley town and Waverly Council. Elia Twigg encouraged others to apply for the scholarship and mentioned their ongoing commitment to joining the APWA international committee to foster global collaboration.

Joseph Blackman and Max Herzog discussed the Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA), a nonprofit economic development organization focused on supporting water technology innovation in Ohio and the Great Lakes region. Max Herzog, Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships at CWA, explained that the organization helps innovators and institutional stakeholders by acting as a market connector and validator, facilitating technology trials to de-risk adoption in the risk-averse municipal water sector, and addressing the "innovator's dilemma" by ensuring solutions meet end-user needs. Max Herzog highlighted CWA's work in nutrient mitigation for agriculture and the piloting of a hypochlorite generation system for a drinking water utility, acknowledging that global tariffs and political climates pose challenges to sourcing international innovation. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Find more at: http://clevelandwateralliance.org/

Joseph Blackman interviewed Aaron Kirkland, the Superintendent of Green Storm Water Operations at the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), to discuss the department's "Green Cities Clean Waters" initiative, which aims to reduce combined sewer overflows using green storm water infrastructure (GSI) like rain gardens. Aaron Kirkland explained that GSI uses Storm Water Management Practices (SMPPs) to slow and infiltrate rainwater, detailing their unit's responsibility for maintaining this infrastructure and their focus on talent development through the Community Apprenticeship Program, which recruits and trains individuals for entry-level positions. Aaron Kirkland shared their personal career journey and leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, transparency with management about capacity, and motivating teams through quantifiable metrics and positive competition. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman introduced Erinn DeJonge, the Fleet Business Operations Manager at Sarasota County, who manages over 1,700 assets with an annual budget that includes about $12 million for acquisitions and $3-5 million for fuel, while clarifying that a separate manager oversees the 40 technicians across three maintenance shops. Erinn DeJonge detailed their role in acquisition, fuel site management, and budgeting, explaining the reliance on cooperative contracts, Board of County Commissioners' approval, and direct engagement with operators to ensure equipment minimizes downtime and aligns with user needs, while also sharing their use of AI for structural improvements in memos and contract writing. Erinn DeJonge emphasized the importance of continuous learning through certifications like CAFM and professional networking, along with developing self-starter skills and critical thinking to manage long lead times and address fleet funding challenges with department-specific data transparency. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman welcomed Ron Romero, the assistant director of Austin Resource Recovery, to the podcast where Ron Romero described their operational role leading 250 employees responsible for all curbside services and the complexity of solid waste management, emphasizing the need for adaptability due to dynamic variables like weather. Ron Romero discussed the positive community feedback on the transition to an on-demand bulk pickup system, the importance of inter-departmental collaboration for litter abatement, and how Austin Resource Recovery has evolved into a 24/7 department utilizing technology to work smarter and increase efficiency. Key talking points included Ron Romero's career path influenced by mentors Vidal Maldonado and Sam Angori, the focus on recruitment to attract younger generations to solid waste careers, and the department's continuous efforts to improve operations, including applying lessons from a winter storm to enhance safety protocols. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals. 

Joseph Blackman interviewed Paul Cornejo, the operations manager at AOS Utility Services, about his role, career path, and the state of the public works industry. Paul Cornejo detailed his multiple responsibilities at AOS Utility Services, which include consulting, contract operations, and drone inspections, and emphasized the need for small companies to network and attend conferences to keep up with industry regulations like the AWQS sampling requirements. The discussion covered Paul Cornejo’s advice for young professionals to dedicate time daily to studying for self-development, the importance of strong communication and troubleshooting skills for operations managers, and the different approaches needed when communicating with regulators versus students. Paul Cornejo shared a professional success story at Epcor Water where they received the President's award for repurposing a pre-aeration basin to meet Class A+ water requirements, and stressed the importance of appreciating employees to aid retention. The interview concluded with talking points on the public misconception of wastewater treatment, the necessity of direct potable water reuse, the need to introduce the industry to young people to address the "silver tsunami effect," and Paul Cornejo's advice for managers to lead by the Golden Rule. Give the show a listen and remember to thank you local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman hosted a Veterans Day Public Works podcast with Navy veterans Blake Murphey, President at American Pipeline Solutions, and Chad Oxton, Operations Manager for the city of Suffolk in Virginia, to discuss the value and opportunities for veterans in both the private and public sectors of public works. The participants explored their individual paths to military service, the positive impact of service on socioeconomic standing, and the shared importance of hiring veterans for their adaptability, maintenance skills, and commitment to service, with Blake Murphey noting that over half of American Pipeline Solutions' employees are veterans or military spouses and Chad Oxton emphasizing that many former enlisted roles align perfectly with public works. A key challenge discussed was helping veterans translate their military experience into civilian jargon, while Blake Murphey recommended the SkillBridge program for veteran recruitment and Chad Oxton suggested expanding the military's concept of "mission" to better transition service members into local community partnerships.

Richard Heath Hyle, the new Sewer Collection Superintendent at the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department, who was recently promoted after serving as the sewer collection supervisor. Richard Heath Hyle explained that sewer collections transport waste through underground pipelines, and the San Bernardino system serves over 200,000 people with 500 miles of pipe and 10 lift stations. Richard Heath Hyle shared that his team of nine crew members manages the system with four trucks and a CCTV van, emphasizing the importance of drive, self-motivation, and strong interpersonal skills for a superintendent. The key discussion points included Richard Heath Hyle's career transition from water to wastewater, the value of trades, challenges in hiring and retaining talent, innovative training methods like a mock maintenance hole for spill response, and the need for continuous improvement and inter-departmental collaboration. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals. 

Joseph Blackman introduced Cristel Sias, who discussed the Public Works Experience, a learning center and museum in Baltimore dedicated to public works and infrastructure, located within an active pumping station. Cristel explained that the museum features exhibits like "Streetscape" and partners with organizations like the Waterfront Partnership, known for Mr. Trash Wheel, to host community events and raise awareness. The Public Works Experience plans a capital campaign to expand, aiming for self-sustainability and encouraging public engagement through social media and upcoming events, including a monument to fallen public works heroes during an upcoming APWA expo. 

Find more about the Public Works Experience here: https://pwexperience.org/

Bridget McGinnis, the Assistant Engineer at the City of West Sacramento, who shared insights into her role, emphasizing the importance of communication and internships for career development. Bridget McGinnis also discussed the impact of West Sacramento hosting the A's baseball team, her career path in engineering, and the value of professional development through organizations like APWA. Key takeaways included the recommendation to promote "West Sac Connect" for community engagement and Bridget McGinnis gratitude towards her mentors, Elizabeth Raynal, Christopher Heylin, and Sam Tuttle. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Alleigh Weems, Senior Management Analyst at the city of Topeka, described her role supporting the public works department, focusing on procurement, capital improvement, and successful grant acquisition, including a nearly $5 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant and a $25 million RAISE grant. She emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, professional networking, and stepping outside one's comfort zone for growth, despite challenges like federal funding freezes. Weems shared that a "win" is receiving a simple "thank you" for helping colleagues and that her community involvement enhances her public service. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Linnea Rader, Director of Finance and Human Resources at Van Buren County Road Commission, who shared insights into her varied role encompassing financial management and human resources, including union negotiations and recruitment strategies. Linnea Rader discussed Michigan's unique road commission structure, her career progression, and key skill sets for her role, emphasizing the human element in HR and continuous learning. She also detailed the Michigan Public Service Institute (MPSI) leadership program and her personal initiative, "Lead with Lana," both focused on soft skills and leadership development. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Sherri McMahon, the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Administrator for the Public Works Department of Las Vegas, Nevada. Sherri McMahon explained that her role involves managing environmental programs for the City of Las Vegas, ensuring compliance with state and EPA regulations, and that the city faces unique environmental challenges due to stormwater runoff pollution, over 42 million annual visitors, and air quality concerns. Sherri McMahon highlighted the importance of education over penalties in enforcement, shared her extensive career path, and emphasized communication skills, particularly technical writing and public speaking, as crucial for environmental careers, while also discussing issues with "flushable" wipes and recommending Holsteins for burgers in Las Vegas. Give the episdoe a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Lindsay Hughes, founder of Tappedin Public Relations, who shared expertise on strategic communication for utilities, focusing on building trust and managing crises through transparent and empathetic messaging. Lindsay Hughes detailed strategies for multi-channel communication, tailored messaging, internal preparedness, and the importance of proactive community engagement while maintaining brand neutrality. Lindsay Hughes also highlighted leveraging AI for communication and outlined their agency's process for supporting existing communication teams or establishing foundational elements for organizations without one.