Stormwater Pioneer Reggie Korthals, MPA, MS4CECI

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Key Points Discussed

00:06 Ty introduces the first live-recorded episode and Reggie Korthals from OHM.

“You're such a rock star around here... this is the first time we've ever done an episode live.” – Ty Garmon

00:55 Reggie shares the early days of Indiana’s MS4 meeting and its “friendly competition” with Ohio’s.

“With guidance from EPA Region 5, I got this going.” – Reggie Korthals

02:19 Record Attendance & History of Growth 

“This is 400 registered, the highest I've had in 17 years.” – Reggie Korthals

03:35 Ty reads a comprehensive bio of Reggie’s 25+ year career in stormwater.

06:30 Reggie recalls a formative moment with President John F. Kennedy.

“He came over and took my hand… and said, ‘Public service.’” – Reggie Korthals

08:41 She shares her role in founding the MS4 Partnership and stepping back after 17 years.

“This is my last one. I'm going to retire at 17 years.” – Reggie Korthals

11:04 Insight into Indiana’s expanding stormwater programs.

“400 is 94–96% of the permitted entities.” – Reggie Korthals

13:00 Advice for newer participants and elected officials.

15:02 Agriculture & Stormwater Intersections 

“It was very educational, understanding each other's point of view.” – Ty Garmon

15:54 Potential for broader regional partnerships and legacy reflection.

“I'd love to see Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky do something together.” – Reggie Korthals

16:53 Final Thoughts: Communicating with Electeds. Reggie emphasizes education and messaging.

“Explain what you're doing for all your constituents.” – Reggie Korthals

18:45 How to make stormwater a public priority.

“We talk to each other a lot. How do we make stormwater cool enough to get the public interested?” – Ty Garmon

19:44 Closing Reflections 

“Water doesn’t care where the MS4 ends or begins. The better we can work together as a team, the better water we can get.” – Reggie Korthals

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon sits down with Reggie Korthals, a seasoned environmental professional and founder of the Indiana MS4 Partnership, to reflect on her 25+ year career in stormwater management. Reggie shares how the MS4 Annual Meeting grew from county fairgrounds to a nationally recognized event, celebrates the record-setting 400 attendees this year, and announces her upcoming retirement after 17 years of leadership. From her early inspiration by President Kennedy to her commitment to mentoring the next generation, Reggie emphasizes the importance of collaboration, clear communication with elected officials, and ongoing public education to improve water quality. Her closing message is a reminder that "water doesn’t care where the MS4 ends or begins”—underscoring the need for unified action across communities.

 

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Reggie Korthals:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggie-korthals-mpa-ms4ceci-788a49160/

Indiana MS4 Partnership LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indiana-ms4-partnership/posts/?feedView=all

Website: https://www.indianams4.org/

 

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP: 

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

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