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Combating the Largest U.S. Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in 2024: Grand Rapids, MN

Overview
Start date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Start time: 1:00 PM EDT
Duration: 60 minutes

In 2024, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, faced a crisis no city ever wants to encounter – the largest Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the United States that year. In response, Grand Rapids Public Utilities (GRPU) swiftly identified the source, implemented solutions, and resolved this crisis.

How did they do it – and what can your utility learn from their experience?

Join us for an insightful webinar featuring Julie Kennedy, General Manager of GRPU, and Chad Seidel, President of Corona Environmental. Together, they’ll walk you through the outbreak response from the front lines:
• How GRPU identified and contained the outbreak so quickly
• The collaboration between local, state, federal health agencies and other players
• Lessons learned and practical strategies for risk communication and emergency response.

If you register but are unable to attend the webinar, you will receive a link to the recording after the webinar ends.

Speakers

Chad Seidel PH.D., P.E.

President

Corona Environmental

Chad Seidel is President of Corona Environmental, where he leads efforts to address complex drinking water challenges through science-based, cost-effective solutions. In 2024, he played a key advisory role in the City of Grand Rapids’ response to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, guiding the implementation of system-wide measures to mitigate public health risks. A recognized expert in water treatment and infrastructure optimization, Chad Seidel brings over twenty-five years of leadership in environmental engineering and regulatory compliance.

Julie Kennedy

General Manager

Grand Rapids Public Utilities in Minnesota

Julie Kennedy is the General Manager of Grand Rapids Public Utilities in Minnesota, where she oversees electric, water, and wastewater services. In 2024, she was instrumental in leading the utility’s effective response to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to identify the source and implement system-wide measures to safeguard public health. With a background in engineering and as a member of Board of Directors for the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA), Julie brings strategic leadership and a strong commitment to infrastructure resilience and public health.

Patsy Root

Senior Manager, Government Affairs

IDEXX Water

Patsy has over 16 years of experience developing laws, regulations, and guidance to protect public health and she has published numerous papers focused on addressing the risks of Legionella. As part of this work, Patsy is the Secretary of SSPC 188 and Chair of the Government Affairs work group for ASHRAE. Patsy has extensive experience in water microbiology, water-related regulations, consensus standards development and environmental laboratory accreditation.