Authorities on Air

Safe Water, Healthy Communities – Why Regulations Matter Featuring Liesel Gross, Chief Executive Officer, Lehigh County Authority Recorded during the PMAA Annual Conference in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Clean, safe drinking water is something most people take for granted. But behind every glass is a complex system of testing, treatment, science, and regulatory oversight that protects public health every single day. In this episode, Liesel Gross, CEO of Lehigh County Authority, talks about why w...

What really happens to your garbage after you toss it in the bin? In this episode, we go beyond the curbside to explore the journey of trash and recycling with Amy Schirf (Education Coordinator, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority). From processing waste to sorting recyclables by hand, Amy reveals what most people never see, and how small actions at home can have a big impact. We talk about the myths, the mess, and the mechanics of modern waste management. You'll hear what materia...

Where does your wastewater go after you flush? In this episode of Authorities on Air, we follow the flow with Shannon Drosnock, (Executive Director, Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority). Shannon walks us through what happens underground—from household pipes to pump stations to treatment tanks—and explains how science, strategy, and skilled professionals come together to protect public health and the environment. Along the way, we learn how MTMSA is leading the charge in workforce de...

What does it take to deliver clean, safe drinking water to an entire region—every single day? In this episode of Authorities on Air, host Craig Fahnestock visits Craig Palmer, CEO of Erie Water Works, for an inside look at one of the country’s oldest and most innovative public utilities. Erie Water Works has been serving the community for over 150 years, a legacy built on engineering excellence and public service. From intake pipes a mile out in Lake Erie to a cutting-edge filtration sy...

In this episode of Authorities on Air, Lindsay Hughes (Public Relations Manager, North Penn Water Authority) talks about what it takes to communicate effectively with your community and why public engagement matters more than ever. Lindsay shares real-world examples of how clear, consistent communication builds trust and discusses practical ways municipal authorities can engage the public without a big budget or a large staff. The conversation also touches on the power of internal communicati...

Welcome to the debut episode of Authorities on Air, the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA). This podcast is dedicated to telling the stories of the people behind public service—those who keep your drinking water clean, your environment protected, and your community thriving. In this kickoff episode, host Craig Fahnestock (PMAA Deputy Executive Director-Member Services) is joined by Melissa Radovanic (Vice President, PMAA; Assistant Manager, RDM-Jo...