Mike McGill, a former CNN producer turned water utility communicator, joins Isaac and Megan to unpack what utilities get wrong about communication, and how they can get it right before a crisis hits. Drawing from decades in crisis communication, Mike explains how proactive messaging protects reputations, why transparency is strategic, and how small utilities can punch above their weight.
Topics Covered:
• How a $1.2 billion consent decree pulled Mike into water communications
• Lessons from launching WaterPIO and serving utilities in 20+ states
• The dangers of “check-the-box” compliance on PFAS and LCRI rules
• How to communicate before a crisis rather than during one
• The importance of collaboration between utilities, schools, and health departments
• Why earned media still beats TikTok for trust and reach
• What “planned transparency” looks like in practice
Key Takeaway:
Proactive communication isn’t just good PR...it’s operational resilience. Hear from the expert who’s helped utilities turn crisis moments into trust-building opportunities.
