Spotlight on Inspiration - Bill Madden, Director, New York Communications/Government Affairs, Veolia

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Spotlight on...

Bill Madden
Director, New York Communications/Government Affairs
Veolia
Mywater.Veolia.us
bill.madden@veolia.com
845-274-8371

How did you get to be in the job you have now?
I blossomed as a student and young person at St. Thomas Aquinas College where I launched an exciting career in journalism and public relations.

What career did you think you would have when you were in high school?
In high school, I aspired to be a sportswriter. I was fortunate to land a part-time sportswriter position with the Rockland Journal News, my hometown newspaper, while in college at St. Thomas Aquinas College and that propelled me to a 20-year newspaper career in reporting, writing and editing.

What was the best advice you ever received?
My parents, Bill and Joan, never attended college but insisted that all four of their children pursue college degrees. I think about that often and feel blessed that they were so committed to my education.

What piece of advice would you give to college seniors?
I am privileged to teach a night course at St. Thomas Aquinas College so I regularly engage college seniors. I preach passion, risk taking and grit in almost every one of my classes. Young people need to find an interest, pursue it with great vigor and be prepared to bounce back from failures.

Do you have a particular charity you support? And why?
My extended family has been devastated by Alzheimer’s Disease and I support the regional chapter of this important organization. We must make brain health a greater priority in America.

Do you have a personal goal for 2023?
The pandemic was miserable on so many levels for me. I went to five concerts and 10 Yankees games in 2022 as my way of roaring back. I intend to roar even louder in 2023.

Do you feel you have a good work/life balance? If so, why or how did you achieve that?
This is a constant challenge. I think achieving work/life balance is all about time management. I spend a lot of time on my daily calendar and try to squeeze every minute out of it.

When you feel stuck, how do you recharge yourself or get inspired?
I get a huge spark from exercising. I really enjoy walking and hiking, and started a walking club three years ago that is a lot of fun.

Do you have a hobby? If so, what is it and how did you get into it?
My hobbies are all related to my love of sports. I have a collection of 40,000 Topps baseball cards along with lots of New York Yankees memorabilia. I’ve also been coaching and officiating baseball, softball, soccer and basketball for the last 25 years.

Do you have a habit you wish you could break?
Italian food is my vice! I wish I could stop eating it for a few months!

Name one thing you are working towards in 2023?
I love my work at Veolia. We play a major role in sustaining the wonderful quality of life that we enjoy in the Hudson Valley. That’s what motivates me eight days a week.

What one thing would you try if you weren’t afraid?
Water skiing.

If money wasn’t a concern, what would you be doing right now?
Season tickets behind home plate at Yankee Stadium.

Name one or two of your favorite movies.
Hoosiers. Braveheart.

Name one or two of your favorite books? And why.
The Pursuit of WOW! Summer of 49.

What do you want your legacy to be? Or how do you want to be remembered?
I haven’t spent much time thinking about this. I’ve lived a charmed life that is rich with family, fun and amazing memories. I hope to touch others like my parents and mentors have touched me.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your work or interests?
It’s an exciting time to work for Veolia, a world leader in ecological transformation that is ideally positioned to help its clients and customers adapt to today’s environmental challenges. I feel especially honored to work for a company that is committed to corporate citizenship as evidenced by Veolia’s pledge of $750,000 to community giving from 2022 to 2024.