Public Works Podcast - Joseph Blackman

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The Public Works Podcast: Rob Thompson Episode Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Episode Description:
Join host Shane Silsby as he tours the Orange County Sanitation District with General Manager, Rob Thompson. Discover how Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is leading innovation in public works, from sustainable infrastructure to cutting-edge wastewater management. This episode features in-depth discussions, leadership insights, and on-site facility tours with the OC San team members keeping Orange County’s water clean and safe.
Timestamps & Sections:
00:00 – Introduction & Facility Overview Meet Rob Thompson and get an overview of OC San’s new headquarters and mission.
04:20 – Rob Thompson’s Career Journey Rob shares his path from electrical engineering and oil & gas to public service and leadership at OC San.
11:00 – Leadership, Culture, and Innovation How OC San fosters collaboration, transparency, and innovation in a large organization.
15:20 – Headquarters Building Project Sustainability, design choices, and lessons learned from building OC San’s new HQ.
20:10 – Project Delivery & Financing OC San’s approach to project execution, progressive design-build, and innovative funding strategies.
27:45 – Key Infrastructure Projects Highlights of the Seal Beach Pump Station, Bay Bridge Pump Station, and Ocean Outfalls Rehabilitation.
33:30 – Asset Management & Long-Term Planning How asset management and strategic planning drive OC San’s priorities and project schedule.
37:30 – Biosolids & Environmental Innovation Exploring new technologies like Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) and deep well injection for biosolids.
41:30 – Water Reuse & Regional Partnerships How OC San and Orange County Water District turn treated water into drinking water for the community.
45:15 – Facility Tours & Team Spotlights On-site tours of the headworks, laboratory, primary basins, and solids handling, plus team interviews.
54:00 – Leadership Insights & Final Thoughts Rob’s advice for future public works leaders and the importance of innovation and data.
57:00 – Outro & How to Connect
Subscribe, follow, and connect with The Public Works Podcast for more stories from infrastructure leaders. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share! Connect with us on LinkedIn and your favorite podcast platform for more stories from the people building our communities and providing public services.

The Public Works Podcast: Jennifer Toth Episode Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Episode Title:
"Balancing Priorities - Perspectives on Leadership, Working Across Sectors, and the Future of Transportation"
Episode Summary:
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Jennifer Toth, Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), as she shares her unique 360-degree perspective on transportation infrastructure. With experience spanning the private sector, local government, and state leadership, Jennifer offers valuable insights into how transportation decisions are made, funded, and delivered.
In this episode, we explore Jennifer's career journey from aspiring ballerina to transportation leader, discuss the challenges of sustainable infrastructure funding, and learn about innovative approaches to collaboration between state and local agencies. Jennifer also shares her thoughts on emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, workforce development challenges, and the importance of safety in transportation systems.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:23 - Jennifer's Background & Career Overview
2:51 - Early Career: From Ballet to Engineering
4:37 - First Role at ADOT & Mentorship
5:43 - Master's Thesis on Constructability
6:21 - Transition to Private Sector Experience
7:02 - Katrina Relief Effort & Lessons Learned
8:36 - Defining Moment: Sedona Route 179 Project
10:03 - Balancing Internal Promotions vs. External Hires
11:57 - Return to Public Sector & Policy Work
14:19 - Transition to Maricopa County DOT
15:40 - Learning Collaboration at Local Level
18:55 - Misconceptions About State DOTs
20:30 - Project Development Process Challenges
20:49 - Advice for Sector Transitions
23:22 - Role as ADOT Director & Defining Success
25:00 - Safety Campaign: "No Such Thing as Accidents"
26:33 - Balancing Urban, Suburban & Rural Priorities
27:59 - Next Move Arizona Listening Tour
28:31 - Building Organizational Culture at ADOT
29:54 - Partnerships & Collaboration
30:46 - Transportation Funding Challenges
31:30 - Gas Tax & Purchasing Power Issues
32:19 - Electric Vehicles & Funding Impact
34:00 - Educating Public on Funding Sources
36:10 - Innovative Funding Solutions & P3s
38:04 - Federal Grants vs. Formula Funding
39:15 - Arizona's SMART Fund Program
40:31 - Future of Transportation: Autonomous Vehicles & AI
42:30 - Workforce Development Concerns
44:30 - Cross-Training & Industry Collaboration
45:39 - No Silver Bullet for Transportation Challenges
46:10 - Leadership Habits: Planning & Reflection
47:38 - Book Recommendations: Patrick Lencioni
48:13 - Most Underrated: Maintenance & Operations
49:14 - Advice for Next Generation
50:32 - Final Safety Message
51:05 - Closing Remarks
Resources Mentioned: Arizona Highways Magazine - https://www.arizonahighways.com/
Next Move Arizona (outreach coming March-April) https://azdot.gov/
Books: "The Advantage" and "The Team Player" by Patrick Lencioni
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#TPWP #ThePublicWorksPodcast #Infrastructure #publicservice #publicserviceinterview

The Public Works Podcast: Eric Johnson Episode Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Episode Title:
"Phoenix Rising: Infrastructure & Economic Development Strategies Supporting Responsible Growth"
Episode Summary:
Join host Shane Silsby for an in-depth conversation with Eric Johnson, Assistant Director of the Community & Economic Development Department at the City of Phoenix. Discover how infrastructure planning, interdepartmental coordination, and strategic vision drive economic opportunity in one of America's fastest-growing cities.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ The critical role of water, transportation, and utilities in attracting major investments
✅ How Phoenix facilitated a $165 billion semiconductor project
✅ Downtown revitalization and the infrastructure behind major developments
✅ The partnership between economic development and public works departments
✅ Phoenix's innovative water planning that supports continued growth
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview
1:31 - Welcome & Guest Introduction
3:02 - Eric's Journey: From Chicago to Phoenix Leadership
7:26 - Downtown Phoenix Development & 3D Model Tour
12:07 - When Infrastructure Became Critical to Economic Development
16:42 - What Economic Development Really Means
20:30 - Infrastructure's Role in Attracting Business
25:46 - TSMC Project: Greenfield Development Case Study
27:42 - Downtown Infrastructure: Upgrading for Vertical Growth
32:05 - Top 5 Factors Companies Consider
42:30 - Proactive Planning & State Land Partnerships
48:27 - Internal Collaboration Between City Departments
52:16 - Advice for Public Works Leaders
57:33 - Future Challenges: Energy & Water
1:03:24 - Career Advice for Aspiring Public Sector Leaders
1:05:50 - Phoenix's Water Planning Success Story
1:12:33 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
Next Steps: 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to The Public Works Podcast for more conversations about infrastructure, policy, and the people shaping our communities! 👍 LIKE this video if you found these insights valuable
💬 COMMENT below: What infrastructure challenges is your city facing?
🔗 CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.thepublicworkspodcast.com / LinkedIn: Follow "The Public Works Podcast"
Share this episode with colleagues in economic development, infrastructure policy, and public works!
#PublicWorks #EconomicDevelopment #Infrastructure #CityPlanning #Phoenix #UrbanDevelopment #WaterPlanning #TSMC #TPWP #ThePublicWorksPodcast #localgovernments #innovation

The Public Works Podcast: Anthony-Paul Diaz Episode Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Episode Summary:
Welcome to The Public Works Podcast! In this episode, host Shane Silsby sits down with Anthony-Paul "AP" Diaz, Superintendent / Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Seattle. AP shares his journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, leadership lessons from managing two of America’s largest park systems, the power of public-private partnerships, and the vital role of parks in building healthy, connected communities. Plus, AP offers advice for future leaders and reveals his favorite Seattle spots.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome
01:21 – AP Diaz’s Background & Path to Public Service
03:14 – Transition from Law to Parks Leadership
06:07 – Embracing Seattle’s Community Values
09:16 – Decision-Making in Parks & Urban Growth
11:47 – Parks as Essential Infrastructure
14:19 – LA Projects: Greek Theater & Pandemic Response
18:56 – Parks, Equity, and Community Connection
22:00 – Lessons from LA & Public-Private Partnerships
26:17 – Embracing Change & “Failing Forward” in Government
30:34 – Volunteerism, Education, and Community Engagement
35:36 – Building Consensus & Delivering Public Projects
39:43 – The Power of Events & Parks in Civic Identity
44:06 – Sustainability, Climate, and Seattle’s Waterfront Park
48:09 – Advice for Future Leaders & Volunteer Programs
52:34 – Quickfire: Favorite Park, Event, and Scenic Spot
56:36 – Childhood Memories & The Lasting Impact of Parks
59:46 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Involved
1:03:00 – Outro & Where to Find the Podcast
Call to Action:
Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders in public service! Follow 👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to support The Public Works Podcast and help us highlight the people shaping better communities!
#PublicWorks #LeadersSpeak #Infrastructure #Parks #TPWP

The Public Works Podcast: Laura Kroeger Episode Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Episode Summary:
Welcome to ‪@ThePublicWorksPodcast‬!!! Join Shane Silsby for an enlightening conversation with Laura Kroeger, Executive Director of the Mile High Flood Control District. Leading an agency that serves over 2 million residents in the Denver Metro area, Laura shares her extensive experience and insights on stormwater infrastructure, developing partnerships, and leadership & management. We delve into Laura's career journey, her role on the American Public Works Association national board, and discuss the importance of an aspirational vision and dynamic perspectives in leadership. Learn about effective workforce development, servant leadership, management principles, and how to align diverse stakeholders towards common goals. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable lessons for current and aspiring leaders in the public works industry.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to The Public Works Podcast and Guest
01:07 Laura Kroeger's Career Journey
04:51 Leadership Strategies in Flood Control Districts / Local Governments
07:44 Implementing Changes in Project Delivery Methods
12:03 Leadership and Management Insights
20:46 Personal Leadership Reflections
27:05 Recognizing and Motivating Staff
28:04 Effective Communication Strategies
29:46 Difficult Leadership Decisions and Lessons Learned
33:35 Identifying and Nurturing Future Leaders
42:27 Workforce Development in Public Works
45:48 Generational Diversity in the Workforce
53:23 Final Thoughts on Leadership
Stay in touch: Follow 👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to support The Public Works Podcast and help us highlight the people shaping better communities!
#PublicWorks #LeadersSpeak #Infrastructure #Engineering #TPWP

The Public Works Podcast: Vic Bianes Episode Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Episode Title:
"Mentorship, Public Service, and Supporting the Next Generation"
Episode Summary:
Welcome to The Public Works Podcast! In this episode, host Shane Silsby sits down with Vic Bianes, President of the American Public Works Association, to discuss his decades-long career, leadership lessons, workforce development, and the future of public works.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Meet Vic Bianes
03:00 – Vic’s Path to Public Works and Early Career Lessons
15:40 – Workforce Development & Mentorship in Public Works
36:15 – APWA Leadership, Initiatives & National Impact
51:10 – Infrastructure Funding, Advocacy & Industry Trends
57:50 – Final Thoughts, Getting Involved & Closing
About the Guest: Vic Bianes is a lifelong public servant, engineer, and current President of the American Public Works Association. His career spans local and national leadership, with a passion for mentorship and advancing the profession.
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a comment, and share with someone passionate about building better communities! #PublicWorks #Leadership #Infrastructure #TPWP #APWA #Mentorship #WorkforceDevelopment #NextGeneration #localgovernment

The Public Works Podcast: Jamie Lai Episode Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Episode Title:
"Maximum Impact: Public Works Leadership in a Small but mighty City"
Episode Summary:
Join us for an insightful conversation with Jamie Lai, Public Works Director for the City of Yorba Linda! In this episode of The Public Works Podcast, host Shane Silsby sits down with Jamie to explore her professional journey, the unique challenges and advantages of leading a smaller public works agency, and the critical role partnerships play in delivering infrastructure projects.
Key Topics:
🎯Jamie's career path from private sector to County of Orange to Anaheim to Yorba Linda
🎯Leadership lessons and what it takes to manage a small, agile public works team
🎯The importance of regional partnerships and collaboration
🎯Recent project highlights including the Bastanchury Road reconstruction
🎯Career advice for aspiring public works leaders
🎯How smaller agencies offer diverse experiences and faster decision-making
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
1:06 - Jamie's Professional Journey & Education
6:10 - Pivotal Moments & Mentors
7:20 - The ARTIC Project Experience
10:43 - Leading a Smaller Agency
1 3:57 - Team Management & Career Development
17:50 - The Power of Partnerships
21:43 - Building Regional Relationships
25:10 - Recent Project Highlights
27:47 - Bastanchury Road Project Success
35:36 - Career Advice for Aspiring Leaders
41:45 - What Motivates Jamie
43:21 - What the Public Should Know About Public Works
46:24 - Closing Thoughts
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Smaller agencies offer broader experience and faster implementation
✅ Strong partnerships amplify limited resources
✅ Investing time in design prevents costly construction changes
✅ Building relationships through networking creates long-term success
✅ Public works touches everything in our built environment
👍 ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? Subscribe to The Public Works Podcast for more conversations with leaders shaping our communities! Like this video and share it with colleagues in the public works field. Drop your questions or topic suggestions in the comments below - we read and respond to every one!
🔗 CONNECT WITH US: Follow ‪@ThePublicWorksPodcast‬ to stay updated on new episodes highlighting the people, projects, and partnerships that keep our communities running. The Public Works Podcast is dedicated to raising awareness and credibility of the public works profession by showcasing the professionals who design, build, and maintain the infrastructure we rely on every day.
#TPWP #ThePublicWorksPodcast #publicworks #publicservice #localgovernments #infrastructure
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The Public Works Podcast: Derek Fuller and vialytics Episode Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Episode Title:
Road to Efficiency: Lessons from Lower Makefield Twp. & vialytics on Smarter Pavement Management
Episode Summary & Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview Meet your host, Shane Silsby, and get an overview of the challenges in modernizing pavement management for local governments.
02:20 – Meet the Guests Introduction of Derek Fuller (Public Works Director, Lower Makefield Township, PA) and Marcello Garofalo (VP, vialytics).
03:34 – Derek’s Background & Township Operations Derek shares his career path, the scope of his department, and unique services like leaf collection.
06:04 – Road Maintenance Challenges in Cold Climates Discussion on freeze-thaw cycles, flexible pavements, and the importance of sealing roads.
08:24 – The Value of Roadway Assets Why roadways are the township’s largest asset and the cost implications.
09:21 – Marcello’s Background & vialytics Overview Marcello explains his career, the vialytics platform, and its expansion into the US.
11:41 – Pressures & Pain Points in Modernization Derek discusses the challenges of justifying modernization, capturing institutional knowledge, and moving toward data-driven decisions.
15:56 – Asset Management Framework & Data-Driven Decisions How objective data and AI tools like vialytics help optimize pavement treatment strategies.
18:39 – Common Issues in Pavement Management Nationwide Funding and personnel challenges faced by public works departments.
21:51 – Digital Assessments & Benefits of vialytics Marcello shares customer feedback, benefits of rapid data collection, and misconceptions about digital asset management.
25:25 – How Data is Collected with vialytics Details on the technology, process, and types of data collected (PCI, signs, manholes, etc.).
28:28 – Routine Operations & Lessons Learned Derek explains how the township uses vialytics in daily operations and adapts to challenges like weather and leaf coverage.
32:11 – Efficiency Gains & Workflow Improvements How vialytics streamlines work orders, asset tracking, and increases operational efficiency.
35:52 – Funding & Paying for Modernization Discussion on funding sources, state allocations, and the cost-effectiveness of digital tools.
39:21 – Asset Management Impact & Operational Changes How vialytics improves hazard detection, work order management, and overall efficiency.
44:04 – Advice & Lessons Learned for Other Municipalities Derek’s advice for peers considering modernization: keep it simple, leverage existing technology, and focus on efficiency.
47:13 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More Marcello and Derek share closing thoughts, and Marcello provides contact info for vialytics.
Closing: Thank you to our guests and this episode's sponsor - vialytics. To learn more about vialytics or to get your own free evaluation, visit www.vialytics.com . Finally, don't forget to subscribe to The Public Works Podcast channel for more episodes.
#PublicWorks #LeadersSpeak #Infrastructure #Engineering #TPWP

The Public Works Podcast: Kathryn Sorensen Episode Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Episode Title:
“Securing Our Water Future: Management, Financing, and Affordability in the American West”
Episode Summary:
Join host Shane Silsby on The Public Works Podcast as he interviews Dr. Kathryn Sorensen, Director of Research at the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University. Dr. Sorensen shares her expertise on water management, the challenges facing the Colorado River, groundwater sustainability, infrastructure modernization, and strategies for keeping water affordable and accessible. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of water in the American West and beyond.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background
01:32 – Kathryn’s Career Journey in Water Policy
03:55 – The Importance of Water in the American West
05:23 – Colorado River: Challenges & Over-Allocation
08:01 – States, Tribes, and Mexico: Who Shares the Colorado River?
10:24 – Agriculture vs. Urban Water Use
12:41 – Government Roles: Federal, State, Local, and Tribal
15:04 – Federal Funding & Drought Mitigation
17:00 – Can We Increase Water Supply? (Desal, Cloud Seeding, Reuse)
19:52 – Groundwater: Arizona’s Approach & National Lessons
23:50 – Protecting Aquifers & Water Rights
26:47 – Infrastructure: Aging Systems & Modernization Priorities
29:59 – Financing Water Projects: Rates, Bonds, and Partnerships
4:17 – Affordability & Rate Structures
37:00 – Innovations in Water Management
39:00 – What Gives Kathryn Hope for the Future
41:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing
Stay in touch: Follow 👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to support The Public Works Podcast and help us highlight the people shaping better communities!
For more episodes and resources, visit www.thepublicworkspodcast.com. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your colleagues!
#PublicWorks #LeadersSpeak #Infrastructure #Engineering #TPWP #WATER

The Public Works Podcast: Marsie Geldert-Murphey Episode Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Episode Title:
Resilient Infrastructure & Public Service as "Opportunities"
Episode Summary:
Join host Shane Silsby as he interviews Marcia "Marsie" Geldert-Murphey, an accomplished civil engineer, former ASCE president, and Illinois State Senate candidate. Marsie shares her journey from environmental advocacy in South Dakota to leading major infrastructure projects and championing resilient, community-focused public works. Discover why engineers are essential in policymaking, the value of long-term investment, and how infrastructure creates opportunity for communities and the workforce.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Marsie’s background
01:07 – Marsie’s path to civil engineering
03:24 – Early career and joining IDOT
05:07 – Defining moments: The Clark Bridge project
08:44 – Leadership in ASCE and the infrastructure report card
13:23 – The importance of resilience in infrastructure
16:40 – Economic ripple effects: Levee improvements and community growth
20:24 – Why engineers belong in legislative roles
24:00 – Advice for young engineers and public service
27:11 – Marsie’s campaign, community engagement, and closing thoughts
Learn more: Check out Marsie for Illinois at: www.marsieforillinois.info
Connect with us an LinkedIn & follow on social media: @ThePublicWorksPodcast If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping our communities!

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