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 PrimmKirsten DenneSeth AbramsAPMM - Association of Pennsylvania Municipal ManagementPioneering Change Community NewsletterKey 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 complaintsGenerational workforce challenges and the struggle to retain talent in an era of work-life balance expectationsThe impact of social media on decision-making and public expectationsBalancing short-term political pressures with long-term municipal planning needsRegional cooperation strategies and emergency services challengesTimestamps00:00:00 - Greg's on professional standards erosion00:03:30 - Kristen on "legislation by social media" concept00:04:30 - Seth on zoning decision-making challenges00:07:30 - Communication and social media strategy discussion00:11:30 - Kristen - workforce and generational challenges00:14:00 - Nancy asks about adapting work for younger employees00:19:30 - Seth on staffing and resource constraints00:22:00 - Nancy transitions to relationships with elected officials 00:29:00 - Magic wand section begins00:35:30 - Nancy wraps up magic wand ideas00:36:00 - Final thoughts and parting words begin00:38:00 - Greg raises EMS crisis concerns00:39:30 - Nancy introduces regionalization topic00:44:00 - Positive ending with recruitment discussion00:45:00 - Closing remarks and wrap-up