18469_Authority_June

municipalauthorities.org | 3 Reprint permission: Some articles may be available, in whole or in part, for reprint; however written permission must be obtained by contacting Jennifer Case at case@municipalauthorities.org . Statement of ownership: The Authority is published bi-monthly by the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, 1000 North Front Street, Suite 401, Wormleysburg, PA 17043. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Authority at this address. Advertising & Sales questions: Mandi E. Glantz, CAE at glantz@municipalauthorities.org. Comments/Questions: Jennifer Case at case@municipalauthorities.org. Copyright© 2025 by the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Statement of facts and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. Publication of articles and advertisements does not reflect any direct or implied endorsement of the author’s views. The Association reserves the right to edit and/or provide graphic content to support articles or information printed or provided in this publication. Douglas E. Bilheimer Publisher Jennifer L. Case Editor Mandi E. Glantz, CAE Advertising Kimberly A. Miller Layout & Design June 2025 Volume 57, No. 3 Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association 1000 North Front Street, Suite 401 Wormleysburg, PA 17043 Phone: 717-737-7655 Fax: 717-737-8431 info@municipalauthorities.org municipalauthorities.org facebook.com/pamunicipalauthorities linkedin.com/company/ pamunicipalauthorities/ Melissa Radovanic, Chair Greater Johnstown Water Authority/RDM - Johnstown, LLC Christine Gunsaullus The Tank Queen, LLC Timothy Hagey Warminster Township Municipal Authority Deanna Hassinger Mifflin County Municipal Authority Lindsay Hughes North Penn Water Authority Matt Junker Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County Evan Ridington Arthur Hall Insurance Susan Sampson Lehigh County Authority Amy Schirf Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority Michael Schober, PE ARRO Consulting, Inc. According to numerous sources, a large portion of current water and wastewater employees nationwide are approaching retirement age, potentially impacting public health and the environment, and the sector faces challenges in attracting and retaining younger workers. In Pennsylvania, DEP’s water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators employment statistics for 2023 show a projected decline of 6% from 2023 to 2033, with about 10,300 openings expected annually, mainly due to replacement. This issue of The Authority explores ways to attract future leaders, foster professional development, build a resilient and sustainable workforce, and encourage industry growth. It highlights successful mentorship and internship programs, offering assistance and ideas on how to build your own at your authority or participate in these already established programs. In addition, it provides an overview of succession planning – emphasizing its critical role, advantages, and implementation to ensure long-term organizational growth and stability. Portions of this were generated using artificial intelligence and were reviewed and edited by the author. (Perplexity AI, April 2025)