APMM 2025 Series - Western Roundtable Dispatch - Greg Primm, Kristen Denne and Seth Abrams

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