Meet Julie Asciolla, our Business and Development Programs Manager! 

We sat down with Julie to learn more about what brought her to Pittsburgh Water, and how her role helps facilitate the services we provide and relationships we maintain in relation to commercial customers and the business community.

Tell us more about your role.

As the Business and Development Programs Manager, I develop strategies to enhance Pittsburgh Water’s services to our multi-family and commercial customers. My role spans the entire organization, aligning interconnected processes for a more seamless experience.  I collaborate with Customer Service and Operations to eliminate barriers to operational efficiency and transparency. Additionally, I establish the priorities for our development services group including permitting processes and systems and development review.

What made you decide to pursue a career in your field?

I took a few geography courses in college and fell in love with the subject. When I switched my major to pursue geography, my professors introduced me to a path to graduate school to continue studying urban planning. Once I discovered this world, there was no going back. I enjoy shaping the built environment and being involved in Pittsburgh’s growth. 

How did you decide to join the Pittsburgh Water team?

Public service is truly a fulfilling career and working for an essential utility makes coming in to work easy. We are working for our neighbors, not shareholders or investors. Pittsburgh Water also provides a work-life balance that is important to me as a mom to a young daughter. 

In your role, how do you contribute to the delivery of safe, clean drinking water for all our communities? 

Designing a system that is intuitive for a diverse audience including building owners, developers, small businesses, and residents, while meeting rigorous standards for safe and healthy water and sewer service is an often overlooked yet critical function. This work not only keeps essential infrastructure running smoothly but also strengthens the region’s reputation as a place where businesses want to invest and grow. We are part of the economic vibrancy of our communities. 

What are your favorite challenges to tackle?

I like puzzles and my favorite work challenges often come in the form of a puzzle. When working with private property owners and more than a century of water system history, resolving an issue can lead to complex document research including property records, municipal codes, ordinance searches, engineered drawings, and conversations with long-time residents and employees. It becomes a puzzle that each piece plays an important part in solving. Though they may lead to a frustrating conclusion, it is very gratifying when resolved. 

What's an interesting fact we don't know about you?

I live in a historic home that was originally owned by William Magee who was Pittsburgh’s mayor from 1909 – 1914 and 1922 – 1926. The Magee family was prominent in local politics and are the namesake to Magee Women’s Hospital and Magee Street in Oakland. We are the 4th family to own the house! 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love thrifting and going to estate sales. I have a collection of vintage table lighters and landscape paintings. 

What's the best advice you've ever gotten?

Everything is temporary and we live on a floating rock. Both of these sayings remind you to live in the moment to appreciate all that is in front of you while also not taking anything too seriously.