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.
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58:23
Max Herzog: Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships @ Cleveland Water Alliance
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/
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32:54
Aaron Kirkland: Superintendent of Green Storm Water Operations @ the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)
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.
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47:59
Erinn DeJonge: Fleet Business Operations Manager @ Sarasota County, FL
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.
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50:04
Ron Romero: Assistant Director of Austin Resource Recovery, Austin TX
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.
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