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In this episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat, host Chad Smeltzer welcomes Natalie Deroock, the Senior Public Information Officer for Tucson Water. Natalie's multifaceted career journey, from academia to international diplomacy and ultimately public utilities, offers valuable insights into the intricacies of public information dissemination and community engagement.
Her experiences emphasize the importance of strategic communications and the unique challenges that public information officers face in the utilities sector.
Natalie shares her expertise on the essentials of strong public affairs teams, the role of transparent communication, and how proactive media relations can significantly impact public trust. She underscores the importance of understanding different audiences through cross-cultural communication, breaking down complex water utility concepts for the general public, and cultivating relationships with media and elected officials.
Natalie also touches on the utility’s response to crises, such as water main breaks and the introduction of new water sources, emphasizing strategic, clear communication to manage public perception and trust.
Key Takeaways:
Importance of Strategic Communication: Effective public information strategies involve clear, transparent communication and proactive relationship management with media and stakeholders.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Understanding and addressing the diverse ways people process information is crucial for public information officers.
Learning from Crises: Experiences such as Tucson's water quality crisis provide essential lessons for future transparency and responsiveness.
Youth Engagement: Involving the younger generation in civic activities and water conservation efforts helps instill lasting community values and engagement.
Social Media Strategy: Utilizing social media effectively while balancing it with traditional media and owned platforms is vital for sustained public engagement and information dissemination -
In this episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, host Chad Smeltzer welcomes Nick Egger, the Public Works Director for the City of Rosemount, Minnesota. The conversation dives into Nick's extensive involvement with the American Public Works Association (APWA), his journey into civil engineering, and the ongoing and future infrastructure projects in Rosemount that are shaping the city's rapid growth.
Nick shares his early career experiences and how an internship at the City of White Bear Lake pivoted his career path from mechanical to civil engineering. The discussion also covers Rosemount's exciting developments, such as the construction of a new public works and police campus and the arrival of Meta's $800 million data center. Nick provides insights into the challenges of growth, from infrastructure demands to labor shortages, and emphasizes the importance of technology and AI in the future of public works.
### Key Takeaways:
* **Involvement with APWA**: Nick’s 20-year journey with the APWA, including his rise to president of the Minnesota chapter, has been pivotal to his professional growth.
* **Career Path**: A serendipitous internship altered Nick’s career path from mechanical to civil engineering, showcasing the importance of hands-on experience in career decisions.
* **Rosemount Development**: Exciting developments, such as a new public works and police campus and Meta's major data center project, underscore Rosemount's rapid growth.
* **Technology and AI**: The potential for AI and new technology to revolutionize infrastructure planning, project efficiency, and public works operations.
* **Challenges and Opportunities**: Addressing labor shortages, managing budgets in times of inflation, and the importance of preemptive infrastructure planning in rapidly growing communities. -
This episode of the infrastructure hot seat, hosted by Chad Smeltzer, features an engaging discussion with Dr. Amir Alavi, an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh. The conversation goes into the intersection of infrastructure, metamaterials, and artificial intelligence, bringing to light significant advancements and potential future implications. As Dr. Alavi shares his journey and recent developments from his research, listeners are drawn into an intriguing world where technology transcends traditional barriers across various industries.
In the past year, Dr. Alavi has secured several pivotal projects focused on developing lightweight, high-performance metamaterial structures. One core discussion is about a collaborative project with PennDOT aimed at creating bridge decks constructed from prefabricated metamaterial blocks, signaling a significant shift towards sustainable infrastructure solutions. Furthermore, the episode addresses how generative AI, a cutting-edge subset of artificial intelligence, is transforming the process of designing these materials, enabling millions of potential designs to be explored rapidly.
**Key Takeaways: **
* Metamaterials offer scalable solutions that can be applied to civil infrastructure as well as biomedical implants, demonstrating the versatility of the technology.
* Dr. Alavi's team is utilizing generative AI to significantly reduce the design process time, from millions of years of natural evolution to mere days.
* The research could potentially lead to more sustainable infrastructure with reduced material usage and carbon emissions, supporting an eco-friendlier construction industry.
* Fabrication remains a substantial challenge, particularly for multi-material metamaterials, that requires further innovation and collaboration with contractors.
* Ongoing projects visualize metamaterial-based noise absorption walls for highways and the prospects of testing biomedical implants in vivo. -
Kevin Frank is an accomplished wastewater process engineer with over two decades of experience in the field of civil infrastructure and environmental engineering. Since beginning his career in 2002 at the Scranton wastewater treatment plant in northeastern Pennsylvania, Kevin has honed his expertise in water quality and purification. He holds a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering from Wilkes University and completed a master's degree at Penn State while working full-time. Presently, Kevin is a dedicated employee of AECOM, where he has worked for 17 years, lending his extensive knowledge to consulting engineering with a focus on enhancing nutrient removal processes and wastewater treatment design.
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Stephanie Boyce is the currently serving Public Works Director in Mission, Kansas. With a career that took an unconventional turn, Boyce transitioned from being a school teacher to diving into public works. She started her journey in local government almost 17 years ago and climbed the ranks through various public works roles. Stephanie's commitment to learning and expanding her expertise has seen her take on critical infrastructure projects and city improvement initiatives. She has been instrumental in leveraging technology and resources to enhance city planning and operations.
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Scott Andrews, City Assistant Manager of Bakersfield, California, joins host Chad Smeltzer to discuss his 20 years of experience in public service. Scott shares how he got into local government and the mentors who helped shape his career.
They also delve into the role of a city manager and the importance of engaging the community. Scott highlights the exciting developments happening in Bakersfield, including the high-speed rail project and efforts to address homelessness.
Tune in to gain insights into the world of local government and the impact it can have on communities.
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Justin Guerra is an experienced GIS and drone program manager currently serving at the Texas Rural Water Association. After completing his civil service as a United States Marine, Guerra leveraged his military precision and discipline into a career enhancing infrastructure problem-solving. With a rich background that includes military deployment to Afghanistan and humanitarian missions in Africa, he possesses a unique global perspective on the importance of resources like water. His academic journey in geography and his hands-on approach to rural utility systems have made him an expert in GIS application and implementation, significantly assisting rural communities to elevate their standards to those of larger municipalities.
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In this episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, host Chad Smeltzer interviews Todd Saums, the Commissioner of Water Distribution with the City of Toledo, Ohio. Saums shares his journey from starting as a laborer in construction to his current role, overseeing the city's water distribution. They discuss the challenges of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, including dealing with water main breaks and replacing lead services. Saums also touches on the importance of mentorship and the need for investment in infrastructure. Tune in to gain insights into the world of utilities and the critical work being done to ensure access to clean water.
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Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, Eric Dundee shares his journey in the civil infrastructure space, particularly focusing on water and sewer operations. Listeners are given an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of managing a vital component of public works.
As Eric and Chad Smeltzer discuss the intricacies of sewer district operations, they highlight the importance of effective municipal engineering in maintaining a sustainable environment. They explore topics ranging from workforce development to project management, and technological advancements that promise efficiency in public service delivery.
Passion for Public Infrastructure: Eric's journey shows a shift from computer engineering to infrastructure, emphasizing the joy of creating public value. Reliability in Operations: Maintaining and advancing water treatment facilities to ensure public health speaks to the dedication required in this sector. Pollution Prevention: Discusses the complex challenge of managing various industrial wastes and the strategies employed by the MMSD to handle them. Workforce Development: Eric underlines the importance of investing in staff through training and succession planning, contributing to a strong and skilled workforce. Technological Evolution: The episode looks forward to more AI and technological tools aiding efficient infrastructure maintenance, a glimpse into the future of public works. "Your toilet is not a trash can." - A call to the public to avoid treating sanitation systems improperly. "We maintain a pretty consistent list of over 300 purchase orders." - Highlighting the complexity of managing a sewage district's operations. "What you put into it [APWA], you can get out of it." - Encouraging involvement in professional associations for career development. "For those who do a lot of procurement, you get your price, you get the order in, and then the lead time is how long it takes for the equipment to get there." - Explaining the procurement challenges faced by sewage districts. -
Micah Martin is the Deputy Director at Newport Beach, California, with a robust background in public works and construction. With a heritage that spans four generations in the industry, Micah has deep-seated roots in public infrastructure projects. His career began right out of high school when he joined a construction company, engaging in hard labor and operating equipment. Over time, Micah shifted into the public sector, starting in the city of Fontana's engineering department as a public works inspector and gradually climbing the ranks to his current prestigious role.
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Gregory Sauter, President at WGI Engineering, joins Chad Smeltzer on the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast to discuss the importance of infrastructure and the challenges facing American cities. Sauter shares his journey into the industry, highlighting the need for innovation and a culture of change. He also discusses the labor and resource shortages in the construction industry and the role of technology in closing the gap. Sauter introduces Streamline, a stormwater management system developed by WGI, which provides real-time flood forecasting and helps cities make informed decisions to mitigate the impact of flooding.Gregory Sauter, President at WGI Engineering, joins Chad Smeltzer on the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast to discuss the importance of infrastructure and the challenges facing American cities. Sauter shares his journey into the industry, highlighting the need for innovation and a culture of change. He also discusses the labor and resource shortages in the construction industry and the role of technology in closing the gap. Sauter introduces Streamline, a stormwater management system developed by WGI, which provides real-time flood forecasting and helps cities make informed decisions to mitigate the impact of flooding.
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"It's all about trust. I like to nurture customers and relationships."Jake Nanti, Regional Manager at HK Solutions Group, joins host Chad Smeltzer on the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast to discuss his journey into the infrastructure industry and the challenges of selling to government agencies. Jake shares his experience transitioning from construction to sales and emphasizes the importance of building relationships with customers.
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In this episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, host Chad Smeltzer interviews Mackenzie App, the Regional Manager for the East Coast at Emmy Simpson Company. They discuss Mackenzie's journey into the infrastructure industry, the challenges faced by women in the field, and the changing landscape of business development in the digital age. Mackenzie also shares insights on the budget constraints and competition within the industry, as well as the importance of proactive asset management and building relationships with engineering firms.
Key Takeaways:
Mackenzie's background in the water and wastewater industry was influenced by her father, who has been in the industry for almost 30 years. Women in the infrastructure industry face challenges but are making progress, with the majority of men being supportive and professional. The digital landscape is changing the way business development is done, with LinkedIn and virtual meetings becoming more important. Budget constraints and competition are still challenges in the industry, but there is a growing need for new technologies and proactive asset management. Building relationships with engineering firms is crucial for success in the industry, as they often play a key role in decision-making for infrastructure projects. -
John Musselman, Water Operations Supervisor for the city of Tucson, Arizona, joins host Chad Smelter on the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast to discuss his journey in the water industry and the challenges faced by water providers. John shares his experiences starting as a meter reader and progressing to his current role, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience and continuous learning in the field. He emphasizes the need for better public relations and awareness to ensure that communities understand the vital role of water systems. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on the industry and the importance of involving operators in the design and planning of water infrastructure projects.
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Ryan Mast, infrastructure partner and senior advisor at Sustainability Partners, joins host Chad Smeltzer on the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast to discuss the challenges facing American cities in terms of water, electricity, and infrastructure funding.
Mast shares his experience working with FEMA during Hurricane Katrina and highlights the importance of comprehensive risk management and resilience in the face of climate change. He also explains the concept of infrastructure as a service, where sustainability partners provide the capital and expertise to deliver and maintain essential infrastructure for communities.
Ryan Mast, infrastructure partner and senior advisor at Sustainability Partners, joins host Chad Smeltzer on the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast to discuss the challenges facing American cities in terms of water, electricity, and infrastructure funding. Mast shares his experience working with FEMA during Hurricane Katrina and highlights the importance of comprehensive risk management and resilience in the face of climate change. He also explains the concept of infrastructure as a service, where sustainability partners provide the capital and expertise to deliver and maintain essential infrastructure for communities.
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Welcome to another episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, hosted by Chad Smeltzer. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Chris Evers, a seasoned professional with 27 years of experience in the infrastructure industry. Chris shares his insights on the current state of roads in America, the challenges of adopting new technologies in public works, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.🔹 Topics Covered:The current state of roads in America and why they are deterioratingThe role of decision-makers in public works and the importance of getting buy-in from all levelsThe challenges and opportunities of adopting AI and other technologies in infrastructureThe environmental impact of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and how they contribute to microplastic pollutionAn introduction to Pavement Technology Inc.'s groundbreaking "smog-eating" technology🔹 Key Takeaways:The importance of being proactive rather than reactive in infrastructure maintenanceThe need for public works directors to "sell" their initiatives to elected officialsHow new technologies can help us do more with less, especially in times of underfundingThe environmental challenges that come with the adoption of EVsHow innovative technologies like photocatalysis can help mitigate environmental challenges
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Join us for a special anniversary edition of The Infrastructure Hot Seat as we host Michael Simpson, CEO of M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. Celebrating 40 years in the water and sewer industry, Mike brings a treasure trove of practical knowledge to the table. In this episode, we discuss the vital role his company plays in Water Loss Control, Asset Management, and Wastewater Services. With a team of over 80 professionals and cutting-edge technologies, M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. is at the forefront of ensuring safe and efficient water systems across the nation. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry veteran about the challenges and solutions in delivering high-quality drinking water to communities. Tune in for an enriching conversation that promises to add value to both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the infrastructure sector.
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📌 About This Episode:In this must-listen episode of "The Infrastructure Hot Seat," host Chad engages in a riveting conversation with Janet Cann, a recently retired veteran with over 40 years in the water and wastewater industry.🔍 What You'll Learn:The urgent challenges posed by aging infrastructureHow technology, especially AI, is revolutionizing the industryThe importance of public engagement and transparent communicationJanet Cann's unique experience as a woman in a male-dominated fieldThe future of infrastructure and Janet's vision for her next steps🎯 Key Takeaways:This episode is not just an interview; it's a dive into the complexities and opportunities that lie ahead for infrastructure professionals. Janet Cann shares her invaluable insights, from tackling procurement challenges to leveraging technology for predictive maintenance. She also emphasizes the critical role of public engagement in infrastructure projects.👩💼 About Janet Cann:Janet Cann is a recently retired public servant with a rich history in water and wastewater management. With a career spanning four decades, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.👨🎙️ About the Host:Chad, the host of "The Infrastructure Hot Seat," is passionate about having real conversations with government officials, leaders, and infrastructure experts to both young and seasoned professionals in the field.📬 Connect with us on LinkedIn by sending a direct message.📆 New Episodes Tuesday
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