Make Water Work Podcast

Summary
In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover engage with Chelsea Boozer, a leader in water communications. They discuss the critical importance of effective communication in the water industry, the challenges of building public trust, and the need for professional development in communication strategies. Chelsea shares her journey from journalism to water utilities and highlights the role of Rogue Water and Catalyst in bridging the communication gap within the industry. The conversation also addresses the challenges women face in the water sector and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for future leaders.
 
Takeaways
• There is strategy and skill behind effective communication.
• Rogue Water aims to equip, inspire, and empower the water sector.
• Public service is a common thread in Chelsea's career.
• Communication is often viewed as a soft skill, but it's a power tool.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for effective messaging.
• The water industry struggles with jargon that alienates the public.
• Building trust requires addressing uncomfortable truths.
•Women in the water industry face unique challenges that need to be addressed.
• Catalyst provides a platform for training and community building.
• Effective communication can lead to better community engagement.

Summary
In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover engage with Scott Hamm, a dedicated water utility operator and trainer. The conversation explores Scott's journey in the water industry, emphasizing the importance of training, public service, and proactive management in water utilities. They discuss the challenges faced by small utilities, the need for effective communication, and the potential role of AI in enhancing water management practices. Scott's passion for education and his commitment to serving the community shine through as he shares insights on navigating regulations and fostering a culture of innovation in the water sector.
Takeaways
Scott Hamm emphasizes the urgency of addressing water regulations.
Training and education are crucial for the next generation of water professionals.
Public service is a core value among water utility workers.
Small utilities can adopt larger mindsets through collaboration.
Effective communication is key to overcoming industry challenges.
Proactivity in water management can lead to better outcomes.
AI has the potential to improve efficiency in water utilities.
The importance of human interaction in the digital age is highlighted.
Scott's journey showcases the diverse roles within the water industry.
The future of water utilities will involve adapting to new technologies and regulations.
 
 

In this episode of Make Water Work, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in the water sector—Alan Roberson, longtime industry leader, former Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), and 2025 Fuller Award recipient.
 
Alan shares how his journey from consulting engineer to policy leader gave him a front-row seat to the evolution of drinking water regulation, technology, and workforce development. From navigating the challenges of higher rates and affordability, to helping systems go from paper to digital, to building the next generation of water leaders—Alan brings wisdom and humility to every topic.
 
We explore:
Why higher water rates are inevitable—and how affordability programs must evolve
The importance of storytelling and communication in building public trust
Lessons learned leading ASDWA through COVID and the shift to digital
Workforce transitions: attracting new talent and transferring knowledge from a retiring generation
Practical advice for building a fulfilling career in water
Alan “The Water Man” Roberson has spent decades shaping policy, mentoring leaders, and advocating for resilient water systems. His perspective is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of drinking water.
Alan Roberson is the former Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). He has over 34 years of experience in the development of drinking water policy and federal and state drinking water regulations. 
Prior to starting at ASDWA in 2017, he worked in AWWA’s Washington, DC, office for 25 years. During his time at AWWA, he authored or co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed papers, authored or co-authored a handful of book chapters, written numerous columns and Feature Articles for Journal AWWA, and made numerous presentations on a wide range of water quality and regulatory issues across the country. 
He has been on Fairfax Water’s Board of Directors since 2009 and currently serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Water Quality & Supply Committee. He also is an adjunct instructor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, teaching a drinking water policy class annually at the Summer Institute. 
He has a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Virginia. He received the Fuller Award from the Virginia Section of AWWA in 2025.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, cohosts Megan Glover and Isaac Pellerin are joined by Kelley Dearing Smith to discuss the critical issues facing the water sector, particularly in communication and branding. Kelley shares her journey from journalism to water communications, highlighting the importance of building trust with the community through effective messaging and engagement. They explore the challenges of marketing in the water industry, the significance of community involvement, and practical advice for water systems to enhance their communication strategies.
Kelley Dearing Smith is Louisville Water Company’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing and Past Chair of American Water Works Association’s Public Affairs Council. In her 25-year career at Louisville Water, Kelley has developed strategic partnerships and communication efforts that build Louisville Water’s brand and highlight the value of water.
Kelley is a member of Louisville Water’s Executive Leadership Team and directs all communications and content marketing, brand development, education and outreach, public affairs, and economic development. Kelley has authored a book highlighting Louisville Water’s history and oversaw the development of the “WaterWorks Museum” at the company’s 1860 original pumping station. Kelley frequently speaks to utilities and businesses on best practices for branding and communication. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Eastern Kentucky University and prior to Louisville Water, Kelley worked in television news.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, host Isaac Pellerin engages with Megan Glover and Casey Myers to discuss the journey of 120Water, its mission to serve customers in the water industry, and the importance of listening to customer needs. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the water sector, the significance of building trust with clients, and the future direction of the company as it transitions leadership. The conversation highlights the commitment to innovation, customer service, and the vision for making water work for everyone.
 

In this kickoff episode, cohosts Megan Glover and Isaac Pellerin introduce Make Water Work — a weekly podcast celebrating the people shaping the future of water. From utility professionals serving their communities, to entrepreneurs driving innovation, to leaders inspiring the next generation, each episode will highlight the stories behind the people who truly Make Water Work.Join us as we dive into conversations that are thoughtful, upbeat, and rooted in the belief that collaboration and creativity can make water work for everyone.