Authorities on Air

Recorded live just before the Awards Banquet at PMAA’s 83rd Annual Conference in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this special episode of Authorities on Air captures the energy, friendships and excitement of one of the conference’s most memorable evenings. Melissa Radovanic and Lindsay Hughes roll out their own version of the red carpet and invite attendees to step up to the microphones for an unscripted conversation about PMAA, the Annual Conference and the people who make both so special. Along the...

Step inside the Welcome Reception at PMAA’s 83rd Annual Conference in Bethlehem for a special episode of Authorities on Air recorded live from Wind Creek. With the microphones open and the reception happening all around us, conference attendees stop by to share what keeps them coming back year after year, including: The value of networking with authority professionals and industry partnersLearning from others who face similar challengesBuilding lasting professional relationships and friendshi...

Municipal authorities make important decisions every day, and having the right professionals at the table can make all the difference. In this episode of Authorities on Air, Sharon Purnell, Manager of Hamilton Township Municipal Authority, and Melissa Kelso of Kelso Law, share how a strong relationship between an authority and its solicitor helps support good decision-making, manage risk, and keep projects moving forward. They discuss: The importance of involving legal counsel earlyBuilding t...

When most people think about water service, they may think about turning on the tap, paying a bill, or calling when something goes wrong. But behind every bill, every service question, and every customer interaction is a team of people working to keep essential services moving. In this episode of Authorities on Air, Julie Mechling, Director of Customer Service at Pittsburgh Water, talks about what customer service really looks like at one of Pennsylvania’s largest municipal water author...

When you turn on the tap, you expect clean, reliable water. Behind the scenes, today’s municipal authorities are using more than pipes and pumps to keep systems running efficiently and proactively. In this episode of Authorities on Air, we explore what smart water technology means for communities across Pennsylvania. Guest Melissa Rohland of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) explains how tools like smart meters, SCADA systems, and digital twins help authorities: • Monitor systems in n...

When it rains, most people do not think about where that water goes or what it carries with it. In this episode of Authorities on Air, we explore how green stormwater infrastructure helps communities manage rainwater in smarter, more sustainable ways. Craig Fahnestock and PMAA President Melissa Radovanic are joined by Claire Maulhardt, Stormwater Utility Director at Capital Region Water and President of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange. Claire shares the story behind City Beautifu...

When a water main breaks, most people only notice when service is disrupted. What they don’t see is the rapid, coordinated response working behind the scenes to protect public health and restore service. In this episode of Authorities on Air, we’re joined by Jeremy Horvath, Executive Director, PMAA Region 6 Director and Jeremy Stultz, Systems Supervisor, PMAA Assistant Region 6 Director from Highland Sewer & Water Authority. They share a practical, real-world look at how municipal authori...

Every drop of water has value, and every gallon lost has a cost. In this episode of Authorities on Air, we are joined by the team from Lower Saucon Authority to talk about how they successfully manage lost and non-revenue water, and why it matters to the customers they serve. Recorded live at the PMAA Annual Conference in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this conversation features Bill Ross, Administrator, Stacey Fetzer, Assistant Administrator, and Bill Reccek, Operations Supervisor. Together, they ...

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...