This is the first episode of the APMM 2025 podcast series featuring regional roundtables. We are joined by three municipal managers: Greg Primm from Lower Burrell, Kristen Denne from Bethel Park, and Seth Abrams from Forest Hills. We talk about emotional resilience and the personal toll of being the buffer when tensions arise, the importance of honest dialogue with peers, especially within a region and shifting expectations from the workforce and the public.

Contact info:

Greg Primm

Kirsten Denne

Seth Abrams

APMM - Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Management

Pioneering Change Community Newsletter

Key Topics:

• The erosion of professional advisory roles and ethical challenges when elected officials disregard legal codes.
• Legislation by social media" and the pressure for instant responses to public complaints
• Generational workforce challenges and the struggle to retain talent in an era of work-life balance expectations
• The impact of social media on decision-making and public expectations
• Balancing short-term political pressures with long-term municipal planning needs
• Regional cooperation strategies and emergency services challenges

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Greg's on professional standards erosion

00:03:30 - Kristen on "legislation by social media" concept

00:04:30 - Seth on zoning decision-making challenges

00:07:30 - Communication and social media strategy discussion

00:11:30 - Kristen - workforce and generational challenges

00:14:00 - Nancy asks about adapting work for younger employees

00:19:30 - Seth on staffing and resource constraints

00:22:00 - Nancy transitions to relationships with elected officials

00:29:00 - Magic wand section begins

00:35:30 - Nancy wraps up magic wand ideas

00:36:00 - Final thoughts and parting words begin

00:38:00 - Greg raises EMS crisis concerns

00:39:30 - Nancy introduces regionalization topic

00:44:00 - Positive ending with recruitment discussion

00:45:00 - Closing remarks and wrap-up