October 29, 2025 Allentown, Pa. — Lehigh County Authority (LCA) has appointed Taylor Stakes as its first Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships, expanding its leadership team to strengthen transparency, community engagement, and collaboration with regional partners.

In this new role, Stakes will lead LCA’s public communications and outreach efforts, with a special focus on initiatives such as the Authority’s lead service line replacement program and long-term infrastructure investments that protect public health and water quality. Stakes will also work closely with LCA’s existing Communications Manager, Susan Sampson to build on LCA’s strong foundation of community relations and customer service.

“Adding this position reflects our focus on connecting more directly with the people and communities we serve,” said Liesel Gross, LCA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Taylor’s background in public engagement and strategic communication will help ensure we are sharing information clearly, build trust, and guide important conversations about our water infrastructure.”

Stakes comes to LCA with more than a decade of experience in communications, government affairs, and multimedia strategy. Most recently, he served as Media Production Manager for TimelyCare, a national leader in virtual mental health care for college students. Earlier in his career, he worked in municipal government for the City of San Antonio, where he led public engagement on infrastructure and planning issues, collaborating with residents, business owners, and neighborhood groups to balance community needs and growth.

“I’m excited to join an organization that views communication as a core part of public service,” Stakes said. “Working with Susan and the LCA team, my goal is to make sure our customers feel informed, heard, and confident in how we’re investing in the systems that sustain our communities every day. From educating residents about lead service line replacement to celebrating the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our communities running, our goal is to make sure every customer feels informed and connected.”

About Lehigh County Authority: Lehigh County Authority (LCA) is a public water and wastewater utility committed to protecting public health and the environment by providing high-quality, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services, serving a population of approximately 270,000 people. A nonprofit, public agency, LCA was founded in 1966 by the County of Lehigh and is governed by a nine‐member board of directors appointed by the County.

Information provided to TVL by:
Lehigh County Authority