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3 Mission Communications Committee 5 Editor's Note 8 Board of Directors 9 Meet the 2026 - 2027 Executive Committee 15 Zambelli Fireworks Display Sponsors from the PMAA Annual Conference & Trade Show 24 Government Relations Update 27 Creating a Workforce Pipeline: From Interns to Industry Professionals 30 In Memorium: Joseph Butch PMAA Region 7 Fall Meeting Recap 31 Solicitor's Corner - Pregnancy Leave and Parental Leave: What Municipal Authorities Need to Know 37 PMAA Recognized with Empowering Women Award 38 Good Benefits are Good Business 40 Call for Presentations 41 Reducing HR Risk in the Age of AI-Driven Scams 43 AuthoritiesConnect Symposium 44 From Proposals to Platforms: The Continuing Evolution of Public Bidding 46 Are you Connect-ed? 49 2027 WIN Conference - Save the Date Representative Dane Watro presents award to Rocco Formica at Regions 2/3 Spring Meeting 54 New Members 64 Marketplace 66 Advertiser’s Index PMAA Staff E DITOR ’ S N OTE With the recent wave of geopolitical cybersecurity attacks on water utilities throughout the U.S. this summer, cybersecurity safeguards are more important than ever. This critical national infrastructure requires both stronger protections and the resources to sustain them. At the same time, AI technology is rapidly expanding across both IT (information technology) systems — such as customer service and financial platforms — and OT (operational technology) systems — such as SCADA and GIS — which involve water quality, quantity, service, public health and safety, and community public trust. As these digital systems become more connected to deliver essential services to the public, authorities must be more vigilant than ever in cybersecurity maintenance, system integration protections, and AI security. In this issue of The Authority , learn the latest cybersecurity knowledge and industry insights to help authorities mitigate evolving cyber threats and ensure responsible AI use. As one author notes, "Effective cybersecurity does not depend on a single product. It requires visibility, controlled access, secure configuration, reliable recovery, strong governance, and consistent operational discipline." (page 58). Cybersecurity Awareness Month Securing the Next 250 Cyber threats are getting faster and smarter. Artificial Intelligence (www.cisa.gov/ai ) is accelerating the rate at which hackers can find and take advantage of weak spots in our computer software and systems. That puts our country and economy at risk. But we can fight back. We encourage everyone to explore the tips and resources on this page (www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month ). And for those who own or operate critical infrastructure, we invite you to join us in practicing the 3Rs of Cybersecurity: Reduce, Replace, Recover. Source: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency