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PODCAST

Public Works Podcast

Joseph Blackman

Where you come to hear new innovative ideas in the Public Works arena. Stories, trials and tribulations and more. We highlight those who are working behind-the-scenes to keep our communities in motion.

government

All Episodes

37:35

Richard Hyle: Sewer Collection Superintendent @ City...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/10/28

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

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37:51

Alleigh Weems: Senior Management Analyst @ City of...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/10/28

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

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43:23

Linnea Rader: Director of Finance and Human Resources...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/10/09

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

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47:07

Sherri McMahon: Environmental Compliance and...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/10/09

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

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43:21

Lindsay Hughes: Founder of Tappedin Public Relations

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/10/09

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

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34:29

Aaron Bergeson: Public Works Project Manager @ City...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/10/09

Aaron Bergeson, the Public Works Project Manager for the City of Palm Springs, California, to discuss his role, career path, essential skills for public works, and challenges faced. Aaron Bergeson emphasized patience, continuous education, and effective communication, citing an instance where transparent communication was crucial in overcoming a project delay. Aaron Bergeson, along with Charles Wy, the Deputy Director of Public Works, and Alejandra Gonzalez, the Maintenance Supervisor, who are his

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51:52

Ray Brown: Drainage and Wastewater System Maintenance...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/10/09

Joseph Blackman introduced Ray Brown, the Drainage and Wastewater System Maintenance Division Director at Seattle Public Utilities, who shared insights into his division's core responsibilities, including maintaining 2,000 miles of pipe, emergency response, and adapting to climate change. Ray Brown also detailed his career path from construction to public service, emphasizing the importance of systems thinking, continuous learning, and building a supportive work culture. The main talking points

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59:14

Jeanne Jensen 2025: Director of Engineering at NOX group

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/09/10

Always a good time with Jeanne so I came back for more. We chatted on her transition from Public to Private, what her new role is with @noxgroup-us and also the state of the Water industry in Arizona. Give the show a listen and keep an ear out for what Nox Group is doing to humanize thos in our beloved construction industry.

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53:08

Victor Vasquez: Water Quality Specialist @ City of...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/08/18

Joseph Blackman introduced Victor Vasquez, the Water Quality Specialist for the City of Morgan Hill, who discussed his broad role covering water quality, sampling, and compliance within the city's growing water distribution system, which includes 16 wells and 13 reservoirs. Victor Vasquez shared his career progression in the water industry, emphasizing continuous learning, adaptability, and the importance of public works careers. He also provided advice on home water filters, cautioning against

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46:54

Randy Pitz: Canadian Public Works Association Board...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/08/18

Joseph Blackman introduced Randy Pitz, who discussed CPWA board term changes, the Manitoba chapter's membership challenges and initiatives, and strategies for engaging members and public works operators. Randy Pitz also detailed his national board activities, career path, and the importance of public perception and mentorship in the public works sector. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

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58:43

Joshua Mair: Director of Public Works for Converse, TX

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/08/18

Joseph Blackman introduced Joshua Mair, Director of Public Works for Converse, Texas, who shared insights into his department's structure, daily operations, and unique challenges like managing moving subgrades and bulk waste collection. Joshua Mair emphasized the importance of communication, continuous improvement through networking, and fostering employee satisfaction for talent retention, highlighting his non-traditional career path and the value of associations like APWA for professional

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52:10

Lily Lopez: External Affairs and Sustainability...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/08/18

Joseph Blackman welcomed Lily Lopez, the External Affairs and Sustainability Director for Walnut Valley Water District, to the Public Works Podcast, where Lily Lopez detailed her extensive role, emphasizing community outreach, legislative affairs, and internal communications, while also highlighting the success of their high school internship program in attracting young talent to the water industry. Lily Lopez and Joseph Blackman discussed the critical importance of public relations and storytelling

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46:24

Sheree Hernandez: CDL A truck driver/mechanic at...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/08/18

Joseph Blackman welcomed Sheree Hernandez to the Public Works Podcast, where Sheree Hernandez shared her journey from EMT to CDLA truck driver and mechanic at Moulten Niguel Water District. Sheree Hernandez detailed the challenges and experiences gained in truck driving, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean record and continuous learning through certifications and classes. The discussion covered advice for women entering blue-collar industries, the transition to a mechanic role, and

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31:58

Jason Zumwalt: Engineering Technician for the City of...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Jason Zumwalt, an engineering technician for the City of Egan's utilities, detailed their role in coordinating capital improvement projects, managing cross-connection programs, and assisting administrative operations, emphasizing the shift from field to office work for a more consistent schedule and reduced physical toll. Jason highlighted adaptability, critical thinking, and communication as essential skills for an engineering technician, while also addressing the public's misconceptions about the

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48:36

Mike Wagar: Operations Supervisor @ Bay Area Water...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Mike Wagar, Operations Supervisor at Bay Area Water Treatment Plant, shared insights into the plant's operations, staff responsibilities, and challenges, including the unique 12-hour shift schedule, difficulties in hiring and training, and handling chemical non-compliance. Mike Wagar also detailed his daily responsibilities as a supervisor, emphasizing the importance of patience and people skills, and discussed the plant's continuous improvement efforts, public transparency, and future concerns

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48:14

Daniel Parish: AWWA Chair of the Workforce Strategies...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Daniel shared his career journey and insights on leadership, professional development, and addressing workforce challenges in the water industry. Daniel Parish emphasized the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and involvement in organizations like AWWA to advance careers and build a stronger workforce. The discussion also covered strategies for knowledge transfer through video and AI chatbots like PDUB, and community outreach to attract new talent and promote the water industry's image

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50:11

Matthew Junker: Public Relations Specialist @...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Matthew Junker, the Public Relations Specialist at the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, outlined his role in communicating with the public and elected officials, administering the website, monitoring legislation, and volunteering with associations to keep superiors informed. Matthew emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner, an effective listener, and engaging in proactive outreach, while also highlighting his career progression and the stability of the water industry. Matthew

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45:56

Austin Meyermann: President of Hunter Crown

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/18

Austin is the President of Hunter Crown. We ctalked about his executive search firm focused on the water and wastewater industry, his entrepreneurial journey, and perspectives on hiring practices. Austin Meyermann discussed various aspects of recruiting, including the limitations of job boards, generational differences, challenges with HR software, advice for job seekers and companies, and the importance of networking. Austin Meyermann also touched upon topics like industry conferences, triggers for

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57:54

Public Works Fleet episode with Bradley Northup and...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/07

Bradley Northup and Shane Silsby joined Joseph Blackman on the public works podcast to discuss government fleet management, highlighting the importance of fleet modernization strategies driven by data and legislation. Bradley Northup detailed their career path in fleet, the benefits of professional associations, and the specifics of an Acquisitions Fleet Manager role, while Shane Silsby emphasized long-term cost savings and safety improvements from fleet modernization. They also explored the

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43:00

Sabrina Sims: Water Systems Manager @ City of McCall,...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/07

Sabrina Sims, the Water Systems Manager for the City of McCall, Idaho, shared insights into her role, which encompasses water treatment, distribution, and a portion of utility billing, all unified under a "productions and operations" team approach. She discussed McCall's unique water usage challenges as a resort town, with dramatic seasonal variations, and the difficulties in staffing due to the community's rapid growth and high cost of living. Sabrina emphasized her passion for water, developed

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364 results

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