Meeting Agenda

1. 1. 1. Welcome: (5 min)
   2. Mark DeClercq, Jon Schwichtenberg, Laith Alfaqih and Margaret Gadzic, Co-chairs
   3. Announcements: (10 min) – Mark DeClercq
   4. Volunteering on SSG committees – remind attendees to look out for emails from IAM
   5. The IAM and SMRP have reciprocal memberships. Earl Hill, Wisconsin Chapter Chair, will highlight any upcoming events/webinars.
   6. MIC – Michigan Infrastructure Council, updates
   7. SMRP – Earl Hill will update members on recent past and future events.
   8. Academia Liasson Team: (15 min) – Update from the group and input from members (Kaisra Osman, Harry Sellers, Kevin Wagner)
   9. Discussion Question:

   What is the observed gap in young professionals’ Asset Management knowledge, that if learned in their educational experience, would be valuable to clients and employers in the industry? What AM landscape subjects or specific knowledge might they missing, please provide specific examples if possible.

   Featured Presentation: (30-45 min) " Business Model for Operational Efficiency – Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati " – by Christian Rodriguez and Randy Schneider

About the presenters:

Christian –

After earning his degree in Computer Engineering, Christian began his career in the sewer industry as a Treatment Plant Operator. He later joined the City of Cincinnati as a Senior Engineering Technician and was subsequently promoted to Engineer Intern. During that time, he developed a strong interest in data, reporting, and app development. To support the team’s asset management vision, he led the development of a workflow-based application to review sewer CCTV inspections and generate follow-up work—greatly increasing the volume of monthly reviews. Then he served as the Data Solutions Division Manager in the City Manager’s Office for two years before returning to his current role as Assistant Superintendent of Wastewater Collection Asset Management at the Metropolitan Sewer District.

Randy – 

Randy is a Professional Engineer, and he was previously employed at Cincinnati Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) for 22 years before taking a position at Sanitation District 1 (SD1) in Northern Kentucky in 2021. He has recently returned to MSD as a Supervising Engineer in the Asset Management Group. During his initial tenure with MSD, he was a key member of the team that established MSD’s Collection System Asset Management Strategy and helped lay the groundwork for where the Asset Management Program is today.  As the Director of Asset Management at SD1, Randy developed the Asset Management Program for the entire District, including Assets in the Collection System, Pump Stations, Treatment Plants, Facilities, and Fleet.”

• Presentation Discussion: (15-20 min

Upcoming Events & Opportunities: (5 min)

Q4 Meetings for Great Lakes Branch “HOLD the Date” sent.

If you are interested in presenting, please reach out to the Co-Chairs

IAM-North America Conference – Montreal, Canada, September 16-18

2025 IAM webinars, please check your emails from the IAM Events Office or IAM Office.

Next Great Lakes Branch Meeting will be December 17, 2025 from 1-2:30pm ET

Action Items: Bring a new person to the next IAM meeting! Let’s inspire others!

Meeting Adjournment

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