How do you navigate a situation where every choice seems fraught with risk? This question became all too real for me when an investigative reporter reached out, aiming to kick off sweeps season with a story that could have put the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District in a challenging position.

As a public affairs professional, I often find myself navigating complex situations where there is no clear right answer. In these gray areas, having guiding principles is essential. The following principles have become the bedrock of my approach to life and work, shaping how I interact with others, face challenges, and lead.

As the manager of public affairs for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, I am privileged to engage our customers in our clean water mission daily. But this passion for clean water is more than just a job for me—it's a personal connection that has shaped my life in profound ways.

As we mark the one-year anniversary of last summer's historic rains, media outlets are revisiting the flooding events, spotlighting an issue that's becoming all too frequent. Climate change is fueling increasingly intense rains, turning what was once extraordinary flooding into the new normal.

A recent encounter with Elliott Davis demonstrated that even in challenging situations, clear, confident communication and conduct can leave a lasting impression and transform a draw into a win.

With a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, we at MSD Project Clear (MSDPC), along with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), have launched a significant, innovative program to reduce excess nutrient levels in our local water bodies by two-thirds. This ambitious effort is part of a broader statewide commitment to lessen Missouri's contribution to the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico by 45% by 2035.

St. Louis media has recently shown an increased interest in the issue of flooding throughout our region. At MSD Project Clear, this problem is in no way new to us. We’ve been observing this growing trend for years, though we’re limited in the extent to which we can help.

In a heartwarming exchange at MSD Project Clear, a young environmental enthusiast speaks up for the trees, echoing Dr. Seuss's beloved Lorax. See how MSD Project Clear used this unique interaction to engage our community in our mission and demonstrate our shared commitment to the environment.

An engineering marvel is silently taking shape beneath St. Louis County as the Lower Meramec Tunnel project advances towards its goal of cleaner waterways. At MSD Project Clear, we are driven by an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, and this ambitious 6-mile tunnel, made possible by a $175 million investment, exemplifies our dedication.

At MSD Project Clear, our commitment to the environment extends beyond clean water. We are embarking on an exciting endeavor that will significantly improve air quality in our region.