Public Works Podcast (Joseph Blackman)

Collection Systems Manager @ The City of Watsonville CA. We chat about his origins in public works and what keeps him excited about the industry year after year!

Kevin Wilson has been with the city of Thousand Oaks for 25 years. We chat about his 5 principles for success in the Public Works field and also how they handled those infamous So-cal fires.

Mike and I speak about his path to where he is at today, his background in Kinesiology and how it helps him in his public works position. We also go into how he handles the age/wisdom divide in the industry.

The heads of Global Water Works join the show to talk about what they do, who they are and their aim to help out the Global Water industry.

Johnny is the Assistant Public Works Director of Jackson Wyoming. We go into how gorgeous Jackson Wyoming is and how he keeps busy out plowing snow and behind a desk.

Dennis is the head of Georgia Rural Water Association Energy Efficiency Assessment Program for water and wastewater systems.

Kyla is a retired Public Works Director. She is currently with the AWWA as a small systems trainer.
AWWA.org

Check out more of HER20 initiative to aid more women in the water industry. https://www.facebook.com/her2ointernational/

Carolyn is part of the North Carolina Rural Water Association. She has been serving diligently with NCRWA's Workforce development program. She has a true passion for placing her trainees within water systems throughout North Carolina.

Roger is the owner of Tree Theory. We talk about how he helps HOA's keep their greens green. We also discuss how us in Arizona should view how we plant trees. Find more from Roger at tree-theory.com

Adam is a Water/Wastewater Protective Coatings Specialist for the state of Arizona. We talk about his corner of the market and how he adds value to our communities. Reach out to Adam via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-neale-sherwinwilliams/. Or you can find more about what he does at https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/

Zaid and I chat about his scholastic journey from Bangladesh to Arizona. We discuss the value of mentors and he also gives us a solid time management tip. He reads around problems to solve them and I think we all should adopt that thought process. Leave a review after listening.

Kathy is with Wyoming Rural Water Association. We chat about her time working on the reservations in Wyoming to composting and also dogs using their nose for leak detection. Kathy has served our public for 35+ years and has a wealth of info to share. www.wrwa.com is where you can get in touch with her.

Paul and I chat about Ice Pigging. The concept he introduced to the states years ago and how it has been adopted. We go into some of his journeys around the country ice pigging an a story on why he believes ice-pigging is the lest invasive way to clean a pipe. Fine more at https://www.americanpipelinesolutions.com/ice-pigging

Thomas is the owner of The Groundwater Guy, A Hydrogeology consultant. He also is the host of Groundwater Talk Live. We talk about wells and where he gained his wisdom in the groundwater industry. Find more from Thomas at http://groundwaterguy.com/

Firat and i chat a little about Quake Wrap and a couple cool projects he has been part of. We chat about his journey from Turkey and Tulane. We also get into what he feels is a necessary skill to possess to be a solid engineer. Check out the episode and leave a review. You can find more about Firat and Quakewrap at quakewrap.com

---Firat's use of "Prototype" was to be "Stereotype."

Scott has been in the industry for more than 33yrs. He now is with Maryland Rural water association where he help rural water systems in operations and troubleshooting. We chat about how Covid has changed some of his teaching landscape and also how being a lifelong learner has keep him at the top of his game for so long. See more about MDRWA @ https://www.md-rwa.org/

Gil has 30+ yrs of experience in the water industry. He recently retired about three years ago from IDEXX where he was the WorldWide Laboratory Support Manager for Water. He is presently doing part time consulting of which he does Lab assessments for ANAB as well as consult for other companies. Gil wrote the chapter on Water Microbiology testing in the book "Basic Laboratory Procedures for the Operator-Analyst- Fifth Edition and is chair of ASTM D19:24 Water microbiology Methods. Give it a listen and leave a review.

Paul runs the energy efficiency initiative at Minnesota Rural Water association. He was with city of Cold Springs for 20yrs and we chat about the difference between a class-D system and a class-A system. We talk about his journey from working at a poultry farm to being the public works director. Give it a listen and leave a review.

Chelsey is the Chief Water Quality Inspector for the City of Phoenix. We talk about her journey from being a registered sanitarian to where she is at today. According to Chelsey, being the "Sewer Police" has its benefits so check out the episode and leave a review. You may find her at North Mountain Brewery stuffing her face with garlic fries but feel free to say hi and and ask her about The 3 P's.

Lisa is the Lead Operator for the Town of Clarkdale in Arizona.

Alicia is the owner of Kaleidoventure.com. Alicia brings 30+ years of management consulting experience working with an array of clients in the utility, education, and nonprofit sectors. She has worked with many clients around the United States and has developed a network of seasoned colleagues who share her commitment to technical excellence, quality, and care for client engagement and delivery.

We chat about her beginnings in Southern Illinois to where she is at today. She is an avid reader who likes to read wide to better understand the challenges she is faced with while consulting. Her call-to-action is to thank a Public Works Worker for all that they do for us.

Kim is a total water rockstar. If youre ever in Santa Monica you may find her at Hi-ho burger listening to H20 Radio podcast. She is the owner of O'Cain Consulting and she is heavily involved with ReScape with the focus on regenerative landscape. She worked for 16yrs at the City of Santa Monica and also a short while at a aquarium in Manhattan. See more of what Kim has to offer at https://www.ocainconsulting.com/

Keith has a passion for Traffic Engineering. He's a rare breed that came from serving our country in the armed forces to serving our communities as a Public Works Director of Bay County Florida. We chat about Hurricane Michael and a few things that he learned from the aftermath of the hurricane. We cover topics from mosquito control to Genes Oyster shack. Give it a listen and leave a review.

"Noel is the most active retiree you may hear from today. Noel and I chat about his civil engineering background with a career spanning 45 years and how special it is to retain soft skills when dealing with city council and new mayors. Meditation for stress has helped him navigate being the PWD of Edmonds for a majority of his 22 years of service . If you ever find Noel at Red Mill Burgers or The Locks in Ballard, feel free to chat him up about earthquake preparedness, aging infrastructure and environmental protection. Give it a listen and leave a review."

Stacie is the Chief of The Laboratory division for Hampton Roads Sanitation District. We talk about her journey from majoring in Environmental Zoology to being in the industry for 28+ years. Stacie is heavily involved in WEF and loves to be part of The Sewer Olympics. If you see her at Stoneys in Norfolk Virginia, be sure to ask her all about her one-water initiative.

Nick is the Director of Sales and Strategy for Information Data Technologies. Nick and I chat about how his father started the company and where it is at today. IDT's future focus is continuing to add value in the meter reading space. Nick tells of his journey from having self-esteem issues to now speaking in front of audiences. Check out more from IDT and Nick at IDT.us.com

Mark is currently the EPA trainer of Missouri Rural Water Association. We chat about his journey from being an intern to heading up public works operations. We talk about the differentiation between a Operator and a Specialist. Mark give us tips on battling test anxiety and how to prepare for certification exams. Mark loves that the whole state of Missouri is his office and he gets to eat at places like The Hill, Joe's BBQ and Captain Dans BBQ on the regular. Give it a listen and leave a review.

Chander is the Director of Engineering & operations for Jurupa Community Services District. Also he is a board member of San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. Chander and i chat about his ascent from working the oil fields to developing himself through books and mentorship to where he is today. Chander is always willing to explain the "why" behind what he does so feel free to reach out to him via LinkedIn for a chat. Make sure you give this episode a listen and a 5-star rating!

Nathan is a Project Manager for the Engineering department at the city of Oxnard California. We talk about his background as a nuclear engineer in the Navy to where he now as a Project Manager. From learning gym roofs to city parks, his path has started with, and is continuing to be a field trip. If you find him at El Pollo Norteno feel free to ask him about micro-nuclear plants.

William is the Street Maintenance Supervisor for the city of Henderson North Carolina. We chat about his transition from the private side to the public works side of things. William is an avid reader and he attributes his success with reading books on leadership. If you happen to see him at Pino's cheesesteak, feel free to bring up the topic of motion sickness and how it led him to public works. Give it a listen and leave a review.

JC is a Junior Engineer for the city of San Rafael in California. We talk about his role as a junior engineer and about how mentors have helped him accelerate his learning curve within his role. Having gone to school, living and working in the same general area has helped JC become a beacon light to his friend group in regards to Public Works happenings. Give the show a listen and leave a review.

This was one of my favorite roundabout conversations. No, really, it was heavily involving roundabouts. Tobin is a traffic engineer for the city of Kenmore Washington. His passion for public service compelled him to make the world a better place by being great as a traffic engineer. If you see him out-and-about stuffing his face with Korean Fried Chicken, feel free to chat him up about all things traffic. Give it a listen and leave a 5-star review.

Albert is the Public Works Director of Oakland Park in sunny Florida. In this episode, Albert and I chat about his philosophy on why communication matters more than anything. We touch on hurricane season in southwest Florida and why there is great benefit in joining associations. Make sure you give this episode a listen and leave a 5-star review.

Marc is a Senior Consultant with Isle Utilities. We talk about his journey from doing work in the Amazon Jungle to the concrete jungle of Washington DC. We chat about his knack for seeking help from multiple sources and how Isle Utilities is aiding the Public Works industry in being a better match-maker than Tinder could ever be. Give the show a listen and nevermind the audio disparity.

Mas is the Assistant General Manager @ LA Sanitation and Environment In their Executive Division. We chat about his journey from immigrating to America from Japan, to being the chief scientist today. Mas has named 100+ species of marine organisms and has observed 8ft long worms in the Galapagos. If you find Mas walking off his calories from The Original Tommys world famous Hamburgers and feel free to chat him up about his journey to becoming a perfect employee. Give the show a listen and please leave 5 star review.

Chuck is the man with the master plan. With over 500pcs of equipment under his watch, his 25yr US Air Force background helps him keep organized. We chat about how being a Fleet Manager comes with its own challenges and what he does to keep his cool in the face of adversity. Give the show a listen and please leave a rating.

Vicki is the Utility Administrative Services Manager for the city of Henderson Nevada. We talk about her journey from being a young chemist to her passion for workforce development. Vicki 2.0 is a big reader and you may catch her eating a burger at Remedys Tavern sometime soon! Give the show a listen and please leave a review.

Stephen is the Facilities Complex Manager for the city of Oakland CA. We chat about his recovery from a life threatening motorbike accident to being great at what he does. We also discuss using his faith to endure 30yrs in the Coast Guard and 10years with the city. Give it a listen and feel free to leave a review.

Melinda is the City Engineer and Director of Public Works for the city of St. Francis Wisconsin. We talk about her winning the "Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineer’s Engineer of the Year in Public Service" Award how how she got to where she is at today. We also chat about the path from working for a big city to a smaller city and its pro's and con's. Give the show a listen and please leave a review to help get the word out about our beloved Public Works friends.

Ty is the Utilities Chemist in Eau Claire Wisconsin. If you are looking for a home-run hitting, hat-trick scoring, Covid-fighting episode, look no further. We chat about his journey from being a inner-city teacher to where he is at today. Give it a listen and please leave a 5star review to help get the word out.

Caroline is an Engineer 4 for the city of Madison. We chat about her background of Environmental Engineering to what she does today. Having a passion for cleaning up lakes and rivers has driven her to excel at what she does. Give it a listen and please leave a review.

Hartford Connecticut has a city Forester like no other. Her name is Heather Dionne. We go into her 10years serving the public with her knack for keep all things green, green. She wants to let us all know that Trees are Life, and we should treat them as such. Enjoy the show and feel free to hit her up about any tree questions you may have.

John does so much for the city of Arvada. From transportation to traffic to micro-mobility, John has a hand in it all. Being customer-service focused has allowed him to take strides in the industry and the community. John loves to interact with the public so if you have some questions or comments please go to speakup.arvada.org and leave him a virtual "pat-on-the-back"

Peter is the Director of Public Works for the city of Salem Oregon. We talk about how he leverages the Wall Street Journal to make better decisions for the city. From Florida to Oregon Peter has had the heart of a teacher. If you see him out in public be sure to talk to him about Nascar and tater tots from Bo & Vine. Give the show a listen and make sure you thank a Public Works worker today!

Ken is the Senior Traffic Engineer for the City of Petaluma in California. We talk about his passion for problem solving and also how he uses his background in the private sector to apply it to the public side. Remember to thank a Public Worker and be like Ken and ride you bike to work. Give it a listen and please leave a review.

Michelle is the Environmental Supervisor for the LA Sanitation and Environment Regulatory Affairs Division. We cover how she used her wit and ingenuity to get to where she is at today. Michelle calls all of us to become a Community Scientist. Give the show a listen and remember to thank a Public Worker.

Steve is the Utilities Supervisor for the City of Lakeville in Minnesota. We talk about his path to where he is today and we also cover how to find talent for your Public Works Operations. If you see Steve out ice-fishing feel free to ask him about the WUTT program and how cities can benefit. Give it a listen and thank your local Public Worker.

Stephanie is the Environmental Quality Specialist for the City of Phoenix. She credits her time with ROTC for how she communicates with her internal colleagues and also her external clients. Initially wanting to be a Oceanographer and switching to being a Soil Scientist, she wants us all to Take Care of Our Homes. Give it a listen and always remember to Thank your local Public Worker.

Mahsa is the Environmental Specialist for Regulatory Affairs Division in the Bureau of Sanitation. You will hear her true passion for our environment as she talks about what she does on and off the clock for conservation. We chat about a few documentaries that kickstart her path to being where she is today. Give the show a listen and remember to thank our Public Workers.

Micah is the Deputy Director of Public Works for the City of Newport Beach. He credits his unique path to his "Can-do" leadership style. We chat about what the City of Newport has going on for National Public Works Week and we also go into how growing on on a ranch has benefitted his career in so many ways. Give it a listen and remember to thank our Public Workers.

Rex is a Civil Engineer for the Portland Bureau of Transportation in the ADA Ramp Crew. We chat about his Platypus background and how it got him to where he is at today. Rex and I chat about his trip to Amsterdam and how they are the leaders in bike mobility. Rex wants us to all have patience and understanding when it comest to Public Works. Give it a listen and always remember to thank a Public Worker.

Zac is the Maintenance & Operations Manager for the City of Reno in the Fleet Management division of Public Works. Zac and I chat about his unorthodox path to his position and how it helps him navigate current issues. Being open to criticism and his team is what he credits is the secret to success. Give the show a listen and always remember to thanks a Public Worker.

Veronica Davis is the Deputy Director of Transportation & Drainage Operations for Houston Public Works.

Topics covered in this episode include:
-What its like to be a Black Engineer in Public Works
-The power of mentors and mentoring
-Being a People Person
-Books to give your employees

Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local Public Worker

Layne is the Public Works Superintendent for the City of Lake Dallas in Texas. Layne gives us his background story and how he uses personality tests to better himself. Communicating with other department heads is how Layne keeps his knowledge sharp. Give it a listen and remember to thanks your local Public Worker.

Todd is the Public Works Director for the City of Brentwood Tennessee. With 25 years of experience he is a big proponent for "taking a chance on yourself." We cover his career path and also why its important for everyone to "grease their equipment." Give it a listen and remember to thank you local public worker.

Phil is the Water Resource Engineer 3 for the City of Madison Wisconsin. We cover his educational background and how he came from sampling odors to what he does today. Phil wants us all to literally and metaphorically "keep our leaves out of the street." Give it a listen and make sure to leave a review.

Nader is the Deputy Director for the City of Thousand Oaks California. We cover his journey from the private side to the public sector. Nader wants an open channel of communication with the PWD. Give the show a listen and make sure you hit him up for some Persian Food recommendations when in town.

Donny is the Public Works Director for the City of Amarillo Texas. He advises all of those who wish to be in management to coach youth sports. Which I think is great advice. We cover his hobby of sports coverage and his strategy of watching other city council meetings to better himself. Give it a listen and make sure you thank your local public worker.

Stan is the current President of American Public Works Association. We chat about what Public Works means to him and his origin in the industry. May 15-21 is National Public Works Week so check with your local city to see what festivities are going on. Give it a listen and remember to always thanks you local Public Worker

Andy is the Wastewater Utility Manager for Carson City Nevada. We cover his path from growing up on a cattle ranch to his transition from the private sector to what he does now. Andy wants us all to remember to not flush wipes. Make sure you thank your local public worker and share the episode.

Jaime is a Civil Engineer 1 of the city La Crosse in Wisconsin. We cover his background from wanting to be a heavy equipment operation to his father wanting better for him. He credits Thinking on his Feet to the successes he's had in his current position. Jaime wants to remind us all that "if you dont know, ask." Give it a listen and if you would like to be featured feel free to reach out.

Nick is the Manager of Right of Way & landscape Services for the City of Fort Wayne Indiana. We cover what the Right of Way position does and what its responsible for. Nick and I chat about how learning of new products/services helps keep the tax payers dollars in their pockets. Give the show a listen and always remember to thank your local Public Worker

Jennifer is the Chief Civil Engineer in the Department of Public Utilities with the Division of Water Pollution Control in Cleveland Ohio. We chat about her youthful interest in math and science but now communication is how she excels at her position. From a HBCU, to the public sector and then to private and now back to the public side, Jennifer has paid her dues. Give it a listen and make sure you thank your local public worker.

Michelle is the Parks and Recreation Superintendent for the City of Traverse City in Michigan. Michelle and i talk about her younger-self backpacking with her father to now having 34 parks under her watch. Her time with Americore was the catalyst that got he into the public side of things. The City of Traverse has some great features; a ski-hill, a water-front and now they have Michelle. Give it a listen and make sure to thank your local public worker.

Michael is the Fleet Manager for the City of Bloomington in Minnesota. With 588pcs of equipment under his watch, Michael is the right man for the job. From laying under dashboards to where he is at today it has been a journey. Give it a listen and make sure you thank your local Fleet manager.

James is the Environmental Engineering Associate III at LA Sanitation and Environment in the Solid Resources Support Services Division. James and I chat about his journey from a career fair to landing the position he is in today. The green waste in LA is in good hands with James. Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local public worker.

Cory is the Operations Manger for the City of Champaign Illinois. Imagine this: A Theater major that falls in love with Public Works Operations and totally crushes what he does. Thats Cory. He is a believer in getting engaged even if not employed, meaning, you can do your part to serve the public even if you don't work for a city. Give the episode a spin and make sure to thank your local public worker.

Esther is the Management Analyst for the Transportation Department of Public Works at the City of Carlsbad CA. We cover her path from being a Taiwanese immigrant to how she got in her current position. We cover her unorthodox way of keep track of whats new in the industry. Give it a listen and share this with someone who may need to hear the story.

Katie is the Senior Communications Strategist for Woodard & Curran. She is also a children's book author. Which makes her the coolest person on this side of the universe. We chat about what her position does and some ways to get good communication overall. Public trust is something that is earned and not given, and Katie is a shining star in the trust department. Give the show a listen and share with a friend or 30.

Find her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-evans-2499153/

Chista is the Procurement/Contract Manager for the City of Woodinville in Washington State. Chista is the coolest person to talk to in regards to procurement. We talk about how to write the best and worst bid and how the bid process has changed over the years. Give the show a listen and make sure to thank your local public workers

Kasey is the Urban Forester for the City of Knoxville in Tennessee. As an alternate from Christchurch New Zealand, Kasey has grown deep roots in the Knoxville community. We chat about how trees are assets and should be treated as such. We also cover how diversity is key in communities and in our tree selection. The social benefits of trees interest Kasey so if you have some testimonials on how trees have been a positive, feel free to shout it from the treetops, but please no more "tree-topping." Give the show a listen and please leave a 5star review so the world can hear this.

Devon is the Director of Infrastructure for the City of Dawson Creek. Devon and I chat about his WHY for doing what he does. His passion shows in this interview and you learn a great bit about Devons path to where he is in Dawson Creek. Give it a listen and make sure you thank your local public workers.

Jeffrey is one of our beloved retired Public Works professionals. We talk about Traffic Technology, what he's been up to since retirement and also what he does with American Public Works Association. Give the show a listen and remember to always thank your local public worker. Find more about Jeff at http://jeffreyakramer.com/

Tanya is the Water Senior Marketing Specialist at Kimley-Horn. We chat about how her passion for teaching has opened doors for her in the engineering space. We also cover tips and tactics for those who are new to the industry to excel. Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local public worker

Daniel is the Public Works Director for the City of Lakeland in Tennessee. We talk about how his 27years of experience has helped him use more empathy in his public service. Daniel wants us all to "Make Life Flow." Give the show a listen and share with a friend.

Tony is the Director of Utilities for the city of Moline Illinois. We chat about how his background in football has helped him get to where he is at today. Tony is a huge proponent of Teaching to better understand a concept. Always make sure to thank your local public worker.

Hye Jin Lee is the Public Works Director of the City of Fountain Valley in California. We cover how her passion helping under-privileged nations stemmed from her upbringing. We chat about her journey from moving around the country to where she is at today. Check out this episode and be sure to thank your local public worker.

Randy is a Mayor, a Crossfit Owner and a Coffee Connoisseur, he is also the Public Works Operations Manager for the City of Fairview in Oregon. We chat about his 21 year journey to how he got to the position he is in and what his day-to-day looks like. Give the show a listen and always thank your local public worker.

Mahanth is the Director of Fleets for the City of Madison in Wisconsin. We cover a lot of topics in this episode: Foreign Policy, India, 9-11, bio-diesel and more. We cover how his journey from Malaysia to his current position in Madison. Give it a listen and make sure you thank your local public workers.

Alex is City Engineer of Papillion Nebraska. We chat about his city's annexation process, his tactics for staying positive and his journey to his current position. Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local public worker.

Sarah is the Fleet and Facilities manager for the City of Moline Illinois. We chat about her journey to the position she is in, what its like to be a woman in her field and how she keeps a level head during these troubling times. Asking the hard questions is one thing she attributes to some of her success. Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local public worker.

Justine is the MS-4 Coordinator in the Storm Water Division in the City of Vineyard Utah. We chat about her journey from traveling the country to eventually falling in love with the State of Utah. You can hear her passion for conservation in this episode so give it a listen and make sure you thank your local public worker.

Marty is a Government Affairs Manager with the American Public Works Association. We cover what it’s like to be a lobbyist, his professional development process and how he constructs his day to serve the public better. Marty is APWA’s Government Affairs team lead on Emergency Management issues, which includes cybersecurity and homeland security matters impacting public works and doing all he can to have public works professionals more broadly recognized as ‘First Responders’. Give it a listen and make sure you thank your local public works professionals.

Bill is the Director of Richland County Utilities in South Carolina. We chat about his transition to the private industry to the public sector and also we cover his famous Facebook group of where people share photos of manholes around the world. Give it a listen and be sure the thank your local public workers.

Allison is a Engineer for the city of Pittsfield and transitioning to the city of Westfield. Just imagine your fav Sunday School teacher, bringing her passion to the engineering field, thats Allison. We chat about what her transition will look like upon departure and arrival, also we cover why everyone needs to stay humble in the public works field. Give it a listen and remember to thank your local public workers.

Gavin is the Public Works GIS & Asset Manager for the City of Hillsboro in Oregon. We cover everything GIS and asset management and also theorize natural disasters. We cover what the GIS can do and how to on-board your new GIS employees. Give it a listen and remember to thank your local public worker.

Jason is the Director of Water & Wastewater for the City of Dover in Delaware. We chat about his ascent from being the son of a municipal equipment operator to the position he is currently in. We cover what its like to work with Federal funds and also being flexible helps you be more successful in the public works field. Give it a listen and make sure you share this with a friend.

Jason is the Public Works Director for the City of Baltimore. We chat about his ascent to becoming director and what his day-to-day looks like. We cover his personal and professional development activities to be successful at what he does. Give it a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Pro's.

Nitin is the Environmental and Operations Technology Manager for the City of Salem in Oregon. We talk about his background stemming from India to bringing his gifts, skills and talents to Salem. His curiosity is something that enables him to keep perfecting his craft as we see more and more technology throughout our cities. Nitin wants us all to get involved with our local cities to make the world a better place. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Kimberly is the CIP City Engineer over Capital Projects for the City of Chandler in Arizona. We cover topics like emotional intelligence, shooting ranges and networking. She has been in the industry for 30+ years and shares what keeps her going. Give it a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professional.

Matthew is an Engineer II for the city of Littleton in Colorado. Also Matthew is one of the coolest engineers on this side of the Nile River. We cover how he uses hobbies to keep in touch with his fellow engineering peer group. We also talk about what its like to volunteer for Engineering Without Borders. Give it a listen and if you see Matt on his mountain bike in the Rockies, tell him I say thanks.

Brandon is the GIS Coordinator for the City of Antioch in California. We chat about what GIS does for our communities and also his best practice of going to physically examine utilities to make sure the maps are correct. Brandon believes that the more communication between the city and residents makes for a better community. Give it a listen and remember to always thank your local Public Works Professional.

Morgan is an Engineer for the City of Longview in Washington state. We chat about his history of prepping for the PE exam and how to navigate that exam. We also cover how his curiosity and aptitude for reading books is helping him stay current with the industry. Give it a listen and remember to always thank your local Public Works Professional.

Sean is the Public Works Director for the City of St. Paul in Minnesota. Sean explains how his background in the Non-profit sector helps him be more mindful when navigating the rigor of Public Works. We chat about Diversity, equity and inclusion and how surrounding himself with constructive criticism has helped him stay on track. Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local Public Works Professional.

Jenny is the Assistant Director of Right Of Way, Construction and Asset Management for the City of Dallas in Texas. We chat about her journey from Texas tech to Airports to the City of Dallas. She covers her superpower of how to surround yourself with people smarter than her. Give it a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Pro's.

Kaeli is the Sustainability Specialist of Flagstaff Sustainability Office. Kaelis journey from Flagstaff to the Pacific Northwest and back to Flagstaff has given her a plethora of experience in the sustainability field. Work-Life Balance is one of the keys to her personal journey and it shows with her continued passion for her work. Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local Public Works Pro.

Jose is a Maintenance II worker for the City of Buena Park in California. We chat about him coming from a construction family and all the ups and downs in the construction field. We also cover what the steps are to working for the city and adding value to your local community. Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local Public Works Pro's.

Fernando is a Project Engineer for the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas. We chat about what its like to have been through Hurricane Harvey. We also cover the differences and similarities of working at the Port. Give it a listen and always remember to thank your local Public Works Pro.

Emily is the Principal Landscape Architect for the City of Eugene in Oregon. We chat about her path from the University of Oregon to landing with the city of Eugene. We cover her favorite projects and also the skill of being nimble and how it helps her navigate the public sector. Emily wants us all to "Go Play". Give it a listen and make sure to always than your local Public Works Professionals.

Peter is the Director of Public Works for the City of Burlington in Wisconsin. We chat about how he goes from a chem-major to being a director of a city oof 11,000. We also cover how he decompresses and de-stresses from the rigors of the position. Give it a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.