B&W Insights

In this episode of B&W Insights, host Mark Siefert sits down with Chris Cundiff and Zach Szafranski for a conversation about the role Creative Services and visualization can play in engineering and public works projects. They explore how creative professionals translate technical ideas for clients, elected officials, residents, and other audiences; the range of work Creative Services can contribute throughout a project; and why collaboration with technical teams matters. The conversation also looks at what creatives learn by working in engineering and public works, how creative impact is balanced with technical accuracy, and how technology is changing what is possible for project visualization. Listeners will come away with a clearer sense of when to involve Creative Services and how creative thinking can help make complex project ideas easier to understand.

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

Recorded live at the 2026 Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference, this episode of B&W Insights brings together three municipal leaders from across Illinois: Matthew Supert, Director of Municipal Services for the Village of Western Springs; Jeff Fiegenschuh, City Administrator for the City of Washington; and Dan DiSanto, Village Administrator for the Village of Oswego.

Host Mark Siefert explores how these communities are addressing today’s infrastructure needs while preparing for long-term growth and change. The conversation covers collaborative stormwater improvements, capital and asset-management planning, economic development, sewer infrastructure, Oswego’s transition to Lake Michigan water, and the growing role of GIS, AI, and digital communication in municipal operations.

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

In this episode of the B&W Insights podcast, host Mark Siefert welcomes guest Randy Olson for a conversation about the evolution of SCADA in water and wastewater utilities. They explore how SCADA has advanced from standalone computers to connected, mobile-enabled systems, how greater connectivity has introduced new cybersecurity risks, and which safeguards utilities should prioritize.

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

   In this episode of B&W Insights, host Mark Siefert sits down with Baxter& Woodman’s very own Brent Perz.   In this episode, we explore what it really means for wastewater utilities to become energy neutral, and whether wastewater can help pay for itself. The conversation looks at how the industry has evolved from traditional treatment services to a more strategic focus on the journey of resource recovery, sustainability, long-term financial responsibility. We’ll discuss the technologies making the biggest impact today, including combined heat and power, anaerobic digestion, solar, and other energy-saving investments, while also highlighting lessons learned from utilities that have made meaningful progress toward energy neutrality. Listeners will gain insight into how utilities can balance aging infrastructure needs with future-focused energy planning, where to begin, and what decisions today may shape a utility’s energy profile for decades to come.

Guest Info: ·       Brent Perz, PE, Water Practice- Vice President, Baxter & Woodman, Inc.

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

In this episode of B&W Insights, host Mark Siefert sits down with Arlington Heights Assistant Director of Public Works and Engineering Rob Horn and Baxter & Woodman Executive Vice President Sean O’Dell to discuss their leadership journeys. From managing projects to leading people, they share lessons learned about emotional intelligence, mentorship, delegation, and developing the next generation of leaders. Tune in for an engaging conversation on what it takes to grow from technical expert to impactful leader.

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

Recorded live at the APWA Wisconsin Spring Conference, this episode of B&W Insights explores how public works professionals are navigating increasingly unpredictable weather—from heavy rain events to major snowstorms—and what it takes to keep communities running every day.

Through conversations with leaders across utilities, municipalities, and public works departments, we dive into how teams are planning for extreme conditions, adapting infrastructure, and communicating with residents in real time. From snowplows to stormwater systems, it’s clear that today’s public works professionals must be ready for anything.

In recognition of National Public Works Week and this year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” this episode highlights the people behind the scenes who are committed to protecting public safety, maintaining essential services, and strengthening the communities they serve—no matter what the forecast brings.

Guests:

·       Eric Dundee, PE, ENV-SP
Executive Director
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

·       Scott Brandmeier
Director of Public Works / Village Engineer
Village of Fox Point

·       Genevieve Stollenwerk, PE
City Engineer
City of South Milwaukee

·       Tony Fietzer, CPWP-M
Street Superintendent
City of De Pere

·       Alex Attiah
Village President
Village of Paddock Lake

·       Shelly Billingsley
Director of Public Works & Development Services
Kenosha County

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

What brings someone into the water industry—and what makes them stay?

In this special live from ISAWWA’s WATERCON episode of B&W Insights, host Mark Siefert sits down with water professionals from across the industry to explore their water stories. From operators and utility superintendents to regulators, association leaders, vendors, and young professionals, each guest shares the moments, mentors, and experiences that shaped their path into water.

These candid conversations reveal a common thread: while no two water journeys look the same, they are all driven by public service, community impact, and a shared responsibility to protect one of our most vital resources. Recorded on the WATERON show floor, this episode captures the energy, connection, and sense of purpose that make the water sector more than a career—it’s a calling.

Mary Reed —Illinois Rural Water

Eddie Ramos — Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, City of West Chicago

Kali Spain — Education and Government Affairs Specialist, ISAWWA

Jamie Rott — Water Superintendent, City of Rockford

Jacob Roundy — Mid-Central Regional Manager, DN Tanks

Kevin Smith — Vice President (AWWA), Project Manager at Ramboll 

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

Host Mark Siefert sits down with transportation engineer Ryan Wallace to explore where communities stand on ADA and PROWAG compliance. From sidewalk and curb ramp design to transition planning, enforcement risks, and emerging technology, they unpack why accessibility in the public right-of-way remains both a challenge—and an urgency.

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

Host Mark Siefert and returning guest Kaitlin Wright explore where communities stand in the nationwide push to replace lead service lines. From new regulations to funding challenges and lessons learned in the field, they highlight why there’s still time—and still urgency—to get the lead out. 

Don't forget to check every 1st Tuesday of the month for a new episode!

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026

Kicking off Season 2 of B&W Insights, host Mark Siefert sits down with Village of Western Springs Deputy Village Manager Casey Biernacki and the Baxter & Woodman project team to explore how severe storms and resident concerns led to a voter‑approved, long‑term infrastructure plan. Learn how data, community engagement, and clear communication shaped a roadmap for the next 30–40 years. 

New episodes drop every 1st Tuesday of every month!

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2026