ESSENTIAL UTILITIES - Key Persons

Bob Ervin - COO

Job Titles:
  • Operations Director
  • President of Aqua Indiana
Bob Ervin is the president of Aqua Indiana, which provides water and wastewater services to over 90,000 people in 15 counties across the state. Aqua Indiana is a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S, serving approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states. In his role, Ervin leads water and wastewater operations throughout the company's Indiana business, including water resources, safety performance, environmental and regulatory compliance, infrastructure improvement projects and customer growth. Ervin previously served as Vermilion Advantage Board Chairman, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation Vice Chairman, Danville Family YMCA Board President and board member of Trinity Lutheran School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Eastern Illinois University - along with course credentials from institutions such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Boston University, University of Notre Dame and Cornell University.

Brian Dingerdissen - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer
  • Vice President, Investor Relations
  • VP Investor Relations and Treasurer
  • VP, Chief of Staff, Investor Relations and Communications

Charlie Stevenson

Job Titles:
  • Aqua in 1987 As a Fleet Service Technician
  • Vice President of Fleet
Charles Stevenson is the vice president of fleet for Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG). Essential is one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states. In this role, Stevenson oversees fleet operations across the Essential 10-state footprint and has responsibilities for more than 2,600 vehicles and 1,100 pieces of mechanical equipment. He leads a team focused on serving and advocating for internal customers' needs, leads business enhancement efforts, drives strategic planning and supports merger and acquisition work. He is Chairman of the Aqua Safety Committee, responsible for leading safety throughout Fleet. Stevenson joined Aqua in 1987 as a fleet service technician. In his nearly 35 years with the company, he has held various positions of increased responsibility, including Fleet Technician, Fleet Supervisor, Fleet Manager, Director of Fleet and Materials Management, Vice President of Supply Chain, and now Vice President of Fleet for Essential Utilities. He has automated many manual processes and excels at providing efficiencies to the organization. Stevenson earned a bachelor's degree in automotive technology management from the Pennsylvania State University. He also earned certificates in Business Administration from Cabrini College, Supply Chain Management from Villanova University, Supply Chain Operations from Penn State and Fleet Management from Western Illinois University, among others. He is on the boards of the Delaware County Community College Education Foundation and the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation. He also serves on Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association's (AFLA) Commercial Fleet Sounding Board Task Force for Advancing Corporate Fleets Worldwide. Stevenson is a PennDOT-certified instructor for both the PA Safety Mechanic Certification program and the PA Emission Certification Program for Auto Technician Certifications; a Certified Transportation Professional with the National Private Truck Council; a Certified Automotive Fleet Manager with the National Association of Fleet Administrators; and a curriculum advisor for the automotive program at the Chester County Technical College High School Brandywine Campus.

Christina Kelly - CHRO, SVP

Job Titles:
  • Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Senior Vice President
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer of Essential Utilities, Inc
Christina Kelly is senior vice president, chief human resources officer of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. In her role, Kelly is responsible for ensuring the entire human resources function is aligned and has a clear sense for how to best support employees throughout the organization. Kelly led the human resources integration process for the Company's acquisition of natural gas distribution company Peoples, which nearly doubles the organization's employee headcount from 1,600 to more than 3,100 people across 10 states. She and her HR team led the successful implementation of Workday, an HR software that brings the full suite of people programs from benefits to talent management right to employees and managers desks.

Christine Saball

Job Titles:
  • Vice President, Tax
Christine Saball is vice president, tax for Essential (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Saball oversees Essential's income tax functions with responsibility for tax aspects of acquisitions, planning, policy, risk management, financial reporting and compliance. She manages a team assisting in regulatory filings, performing tax research, and providing budget and strategic guidance on tax matters. Saball works closely with the teams across the business to align and integrate the organization's regulatory and tax strategy. As the head of tax for the Company, she oversees and manages accounting for income taxes under ASC 740 and ASC 980, federal and state tax compliance filings, and assists in regulatory filings including base rate cases for Essential's businesses. She is responsible for developing policies that ensure the Company complies with government regulations.

Christopher Crockett - CSR

Job Titles:
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania
  • Vice President, Chief Environmental Officer for Essential Utilities, Inc
  • Vice President, Chief Environmental, Safety
Christopher Crockett is vice president, chief environmental officer for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Crockett joined the company in June 2016. He is responsible for overseeing water quality and environmental compliance, safety, and sustainability for all of Essential's drinking water, wastewater and gas systems. In addition, he manages the company's in-house water and wastewater laboratory as well as the company's water quality services and water resources engineering departments. Crockett has more than 25 years of experience in the water, storm water and wastewater industry and has participated in and led several innovative projects, including many that improve the environment and have a positive impact on water quality and operations performance. Prior to joining the company, he was previously deputy commissioner for planning and environmental services at the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), where he worked since 1995. Crockett, a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania, is a Drexel University alumnus who earned his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, and his Master of Science and doctorate in environmental engineering from the university where he also served as an adjunct professor. Crockett is the 2019 recipient of the George Warren Fuller Award from AWWA for his distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering skill, brilliant diplomatic talent and the constructive leadership. He has been involved in a variety of industry organization committees and has reviewed and published journal articles. He is also a regular resource for news media looking to understand drinking water and environmental issues.

Christopher H. Franklin - CEO, Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Essential Utilities, Inc
  • Executive Committee
A fixture of the Essential leadership team, Christopher Franklin is chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG). Essential is one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. He has served as CEO since July 2015, and as chairman since December 2017.

Christopher Luning - Chief Legal Officer, EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
  • General Counsel
  • Executive Vice President, General Counsel for Essential Utilities, Inc
Christopher Luning is executive vice president, general counsel for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. In this role, he is the Company's chief legal counsel and oversees and provides strategic direction for the Company's legal, corporate secretary, risk management, regulatory and legislative, environmental, safety and compliance, and records departments. Luning provides direction on all matters related to Essential and its subsidiaries, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, risk management, and board matters. In his role, Luning has contributed to the Company's growth strategy focusing on acquiring municipal water and wastewater systems and pursuing strategic utility M&A and seeking complementary market-based businesses. Since 2016, the Company has acquired 40 water and wastewater systems, including the pending acquisition of the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority (DELCORA), the largest municipal transaction in Company history. Luning also played a critical role in the Company's acquisition of natural gas distribution company Peoples, including leading the Company's negotiations in the acquisition agreement and its efforts for the Company's successful $2 billion secondary public equity offering and $900 million initial public debt offering to secure financing for the Peoples acquisition and other corporate purposes.

Colleen Arnold

Job Titles:
  • President, Aqua
  • Professional Engineer in Delaware
Colleen Arnold is president of the Aqua division of Essential Utilities, Inc. Arnold worked as water quality manager and assistant water director for more than eight years with the City of Wilmington (Delaware). There she established an asset management program, implemented a work order management system and an enhanced long-term control plan for the combined sewer program, and managed a $40 million energy performance contract with Honeywell. Arnold, a licensed professional engineer in Delaware, earned her B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts, her M.S. in environmental engineering from Manhattan College, and her executive MBA from Villanova University.

Craig Blanchette

Job Titles:
  • President of Aqua Texas
Craig Blanchette is the president of Aqua Texas, which provides water and wastewater service to more than 180,000 customers in 53 counties across Texas. Aqua Texas is a subsidiary of Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states. In his role, Blanchette leads water and wastewater operations throughout the company's Texas business, including water resources, safety performance, environmental and regulatory compliance, infrastructure improvement projects and customer growth.

Daniel J. Hilferty

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Executive Compensation Committee
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Spectacor and Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers
  • Director since 2017
  • Executive Committee / Executive Compensation Committee
  • Lead Independent Director of the Board of Directors for Essential Utilities, Inc
Daniel J. Hilferty is lead independent director of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Hilferty is the chairman and chief executive officer of Comcast Spectacor and Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers for the National Hockey League. Previously, Hilferty was the president and chief executive officer of Independence Blue Cross, one of the nation's leading health insurers. Under his leadership, the number of people the company and its affiliates serve has tripled to nearly 8.5 million in 25 states and Washington, D.C., including more than 2.5 million in southeastern Pennsylvania. Hilferty has held many distinguished positions throughout his career, including serving as senior vice president of corporate and government affairs at Mercy Health Corporation, as well as president and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies. Hilferty's vision is to lead the transformation of health care in America, seeking innovative technologies and new models of care that will increase the quality and lower the cost of care. He led the creation of the Independence Blue Cross Center for Health Care Innovation and launched Tandigm Health, a unique joint venture that arms primary care physicians with the tools and data needed to better manage chronic conditions and deliver more personalized care. He has built business collaborations with world-renowned institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania to conduct cutting-edge research and partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans and other leaders in health care to purchase dynamic health care companies. Hilferty earned his undergraduate degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, his master's degree in public administration from American University and served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps running a community center in Portland, Ore. Hilferty serves on the boards of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, BCS Financial and FS Investment Corporation III. He serves on the executive committee of the board of directors of America's Health Insurance Plans, and is chair of the corporate governance committee, chair of the executive committee and a member of the audit committee and the executive compensation committee of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc.

Daniel Schuller - CFO, EVP

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Executive Vice President
  • Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Essential Utilities, Inc
Daniel Schuller is executive vice president, chief financial officer of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Schuller is responsible for all financial operations for the organization, including accounting, SEC reporting, financial planning and analysis, tax, treasury, rates, and internal audit. He drives operational performance and growth. In addition, he leads the Company's communications with its auditors, banks, and rating agencies. Schuller was instrumental in the development of the Company's current growth strategy and spearheaded the Company's expansion from water and wastewater into natural gas. In 2019, Schuller led the efforts for the Company's successful $2 billion secondary public equity offering and $900 million initial public debt offering to secure financing for the Peoples acquisition and other corporate purposes. Schuller was named to his current role in October 2018. He was previously executive vice president of strategy and corporate development, a role he held since joining the Company in 2015. In that role, Schuller led the development and execution of the Company's strategic initiatives. He instituted the formal process and framework to drive the municipal acquisition initiative and collaborated with the state teams to structure and value specific acquisition opportunities. Additionally, he played a lead role in redefining the Company's strategic acquisition effort, including evaluating regulated water and natural gas utility transactions, and he was responsible for the Company's exit from several non-core, market-based businesses. Schuller joined the Company from J.P. Morgan Asset Management - Infrastructure Investments Group, where he served as an investment principal from 2007 to 2015, providing strategic leadership as a director of portfolio companies, including SouthWest Water Company and Summit Utilities. Prior to J.P. Morgan, Schuller was a manager at Mars & Co., an international strategy/general management consulting firm. Schuller is a graduate of Purdue University, where he earned a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in civil engineering. He has participated in continuing financial education at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His honors include Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi and Chi Epsilon. Schuller's volunteer activities include the Walnut Street Theatre board of trustees and Susquehanna Service Dogs. His prior volunteer activities have included Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Salesian High School board of trustees, and various organizations involving Down syndrome and other special needs.

Dave Kralle

Job Titles:
  • Vice President, Public Affairs of Essential Utilities, Inc
Dave Kralle is Vice President, Public Affairs of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Kralle assumed his current role in January 2024 after almost nine years at the company. In his role, Kralle's responsibilities include corporate communications, community affairs, legislative advocacy and the Essential Foundation. Prior to his current role, Kralle served as Chief of Staff to Essential's Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin who created the role shortly after his appointment in 2015. As chief of staff, Kralle played a key role, ensuring that the company's vision and core values - including an increased emphasis on people - are fully integrated throughout the organization. Before joining Essential's Aqua Pennsylvania subsidiary as the government affairs specialist in 2015, Kralle worked for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the Office of the Speaker, Philadelphia City Council and at a government affairs firm in Harrisburg. At Aqua Pennsylvania, Kralle played a key role in the passage of Fair Market Value legislation that allows regulated utilities to pay the fair market value for water and wastewater systems as well as legislation permitting utilities to replace homeowners lead service lines and damaged sewer laterals. He was also successful in working with state appropriators to secure millions of dollars for PFAS treatment in Montgomery County. Kralle earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Temple University and his Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his Essential responsibilities, he is a member of his local borough planning commission.

David A. Ciesinski

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Member of the Corporate Governance Committee
  • Audit Committee / Corporate Governance Committee
  • Director since 2021
  • President, CEO and Director of Lancaster Colony Corporation
David A. Ciesinski is a member of the board of directors for Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states. Ciesinski is president, CEO and director of Lancaster Colony Corporation (Nasdaq: LANC) and president of T. Marzetti Company, a wholly owned subsidiary, manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for the retail and foodservice markets. He joined Lancaster Colony in 2016 as President, COO and Director and was promoted to his current position in 2017. Ciesinski previously served as executive vice president and president of Kraft's Meal Solutions division. He is also a 13-year veteran of H.J. Heinz Company, where he was vice president of the company's U.S. Ketchup franchise from 2006 to 2011 before being appointed as vice president and CMO of its U.S. Consumer Products division. He later became vice president of global business development, leading the transaction to sell H.J. Heinz to an investment consortium consisting of 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway. Ciesinski is a graduate of West Point and a veteran of the U.S. Army, with service during the first Gulf War in Iraq, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal. He also earned a master's degree in marketing and finance from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Ciesinski serves as a member of the audit and the corporate governance committees of the board. Member of the Audit Committee Member of the Corporate Governance Committee

David Carter - President

Job Titles:
  • President
  • President of Aqua Illinois
David Carter is the president of Aqua Illinois, which provides water and wastewater services to approximately 273,000 people in 70 communities across 13 counties. Aqua Illinois is a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater, and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states. As president, Carter is responsible for overseeing statewide operations and customer growth strategies. Additionally, he ensures high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services, nurtures regulatory and legislative relationships and expands access to essential services across Illinois. David Carter possesses over 15 years of water and wastewater industry experience, and over 15 years of experience in engineering, consulting and development. Having served in executive-level roles at Suez Environment, Veolia Water North America and Utilities, Inc., Carter brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic planning, multi-location plant operations, safety and compliance. A champion for growth, innovation and team strengthening, he has led initiatives related to water and wastewater, biosolids processing, waste to energy conversion and organic waste processing. Prior to joining Aqua, Carter managed residential improvement projects for his own construction management business, David Carter Group.

Edwina Kelly

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Audit Committee
  • Director since 2021
  • Member of the Board of Directors for Essential Utilities, Inc
Edwina Kelly is a member of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Kelly is a senior principal at Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), a professional investment management organization with more than CAD$475 billion in assets, where she is responsible for originating new investments, transaction management and asset management for investments in the organization's global Sustainable Energy Group. Prior to joining CPP Investments, she was a director at EFG Hermes UAE where she helped manage the renewable energy platform and led solar portfolio acquisitions and equity restructurings of wind farm investments. Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, politics and economics from the University of Oxford and is an associated chartered accountant member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Kelly serves on the audit committee and the risk mitigation and investment policy committee of the board. Member of the Audit Committee Member of the Risk Mitigation and Investment Policy Committee

Elizabeth B. Amato

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Member of the Executive Compensation Committee
  • Corporate Governance Committee / Executive Committee / Executive Compensation Committee
  • Director since 2018
  • Human Resources Executive
  • Member of the Board of Directors for Essential Utilities, Inc
Elizabeth B. Amato is a member of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Amato is a human resources executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience. She was the executive vice president and chief human resources officer of United Technologies Corporation (UTC) from August 2012 to April 2020. Amato joined UTC in 1985 at Pratt & Whitney and held a variety of leadership positions across the corporation in both aerospace and commercial segments, including Vice President Human Resources position at Carrier, Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky Aircraft prior to August 2012. Amato served as a senior member of the UTC team leading the merger with Raytheon Corporation and the simultaneous spins of Carrier and Otis into independent public companies. As CHRO, she transformed the HR operating model which resulted in improved employee experience and the delivery of high quality, cost-efficient services to the company and employees. She is a committed diversity, equity and inclusion champion. Amato earned degrees from Davidson College and the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is currently a member of the CHRO Board academy and the Wake Forest College Board of Visitors, Emeritus. Amato is also on the Board of Children's Healthcare Charity/Honda Classic PGA tournament. Amato serves on the executive compensation committee and the corporate governance committee of the board. Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee Member of the Executive Compensation Committee Member of the Executive Committee Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee Member of the Executive Compensation Committee Member of the Executive Committee

Ellen T. Ruff

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Member of the Corporate Governance Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Member of the Executive Compensation Committee
  • Chairman of the Executive Compensation Committee, Chair of the Executive Committee
  • Corporate Governance Committee / Executive Committee / Executive Compensation Committee
  • Director since 2006
  • Member of the Board of Directors for Essential Utilities, Inc
Ellen T. Ruff is a member of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Ruff is a former partner in the law firm of McGuire-Woods, LLP. Ruff has more than 30 years of utility experience, in various management, operations, legal planning and public affairs positions. Most recently, she was president, office of nuclear development, for Duke Energy Corporation, from December 2008 until her retirement in January 2011. Duke Energy Corporation is a leading energy company focused on electric power and gas distribution operations and other energy services in the Americas. From April 2006 through December 2008, Ruff was president of Duke Energy Carolinas, an electric utility that provides electricity and other services to customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. Ruff joined the Duke Energy organization in 1978 and during her career held a number of key positions, including: vice president and general counsel of corporate, gas and electric operations; senior vice president and general counsel for Duke Energy; senior vice president of asset management for Duke Power; senior vice president of power policy and planning; and group vice president of planning and external affairs. Ruff is also a director of Mistras Group, Inc. Ruff serves as chair of the executive compensation committee, chair of the executive committee and a member of the corporate governance committee of the board. Member of the Executive Compensation Committee Chair of the Risk Mitigation and Investment Policy Committee Member of the Corporate Governance Committee Member of the Executive Committee

James Barbato

Job Titles:
  • Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis
Jim Barbato was named vice president of financial planning and analysis in August 2022. In this role, Barbato reports to the CFO and has responsibility for all financial planning and analysis functions, including overall management and execution of the budgeting and multi-year financial planning process, forecasting, and data-driven decision making to help the company achieve its strategic objectives. He will retain his responsibility for overall capital budgeting for the corporation. Barbato joined the company in 2007 and has held several engineering roles in Aqua's New Jersey, Virginia and North Carolina subsidiaries during the earlier years of his career. Barbato managed many engineering activities across the Aqua subsidiaries and has delivered major capital projects to meet the company's infrastructure requirements. Barbato later held various positions including director, corporate engineering; vice president corporate engineering; chief engineering officer for Essential's water and gas segments before being appointed vice president of corporate engineering-the position he held before being named vice president of financial planning and analysis. In those roles, Barbato managed the shared services across the Aqua footprint, including the company's database of record, GIS, the hydraulic modeling and water quality group, energy management and automation standards. He has extensive experience with developing capital budgets, implementing capital plans and providing expert testimony for rate cases. Prior to joining Aqua, Barbato was a Project Manager for Valero Refining Company, completing a broad range of water, wastewater and petrochemical projects ranging from $5 million to $400 million in capital expenditures. Barbato earned his B.S. in 1999 at Drexel University and an M.B.A. in 2002 from the University of Delaware and remains active in the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) and the American Gas Association (AGA).

John J. Aulbach, II

Job Titles:
  • President, Aqua Virginia
John J. Aulbach, II, P.E. is the president of Aqua Virginia, which provides water and wastewater service to about 100,000 people in 37 counties and cities across Virginia. Aqua Virginia is a subsidiary of Essential (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. In his role, Aulbach leads water and wastewater operations throughout the company's Virginia business, including water resources, safety performance, environmental compliance, infrastructure improvement projects and customer growth. In 2019, Aulbach and his team completed an innovative wastewater treatment plant upgrade to improve service, protect local waterways, and operate more efficiently. The project was honored by the National Association for Water Companies with a Management Innovation award, recognizing a utility that has implemented groundbreaking and industry-changing ideas.

Kimberly Joyce - Secretary, VP

Job Titles:
  • Corporate Secretary
  • Vice President
  • Vice President, Regulatory Counsel
Kimberly Joyce, Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs, has added the role of corporate secretary to her responsibilities.

Lee C. Stewart

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Audit Committee
  • Financial Consultant
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Member of the Executive Compensation Committee
  • Audit Committee
  • Director since 2018
  • Member of the Board of Directors for Essential Utilities, Inc
Lee C. Stewart is a member of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Stewart is a private financial consultant with more than 25 years of experience as an investment banker. He was vice president at Union Carbide Corporation from 1996 to 2001, where he was responsible for various treasury and finance functions, and from 2001 to 2002 was chief financial officer of Foamex International, Inc. Stewart was a director of ITC Holdings Corp., a New York Stock Exchange-listed electricity transmission company, from 2005 to 2016 when ITC was acquired by Fortis. Stewart also served as a director of AEP Industries, Inc., a chemical company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, from 2000 until its sale in 2011, and Momentive Performance Materials Inc., a specialty chemical company in silicone and advanced materials, from May 2013 through its successful emergence from bankruptcy in October 2014. He has been director of P.H. Glatfelter, a New York Stock Exchange-listed global supplier of specialty papers and engineered materials, since 2002 and is also director of Mood Media, Inc. Stewart graduated with a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1971. He has significant experience with financial services, public-company accounting, strategic planning, operations, risk management and corporate governance. Stewart is chair of the audit committee, chair of the executive committee and a member of the risk mitigation and investment policy committee of the board. Chair of the Audit Committee Member of the Executive Committee Member of the Executive Compensation Committee

Marc Lucca

Job Titles:
  • President of Aqua Pennsylvania
Marc Lucca was appointed president of Aqua Pennsylvania in October 2016 and is responsible for the utility's overall operations. He manages a staff of nearly 600 union and non-union employees who deliver drinking water and provide wastewater services to nearly 1.5 million people in 32 counties. Lucca has more than three decades of utility experience managing water and wastewater utilities and large construction projects including water supply projects and other multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects. He joined Aqua Pennsylvania in 2007 as vice president, production after leaving Marina Coast Water District in California where was general manager. He held the position of vice president, production at Aqua for eight years before being named vice president, distribution which he held until being appointed president in 2016. Under his leadership, Aqua Pennsylvania continued to make water and wastewater compliance a focus of operations; identified and employed advanced treatment technology to improve drinking water quality; and was integral to improving a culture of safety throughout Pennsylvania. In addition, he led the company's acquisition of several water and wastewater utilities, some of which were struggling to comply with water quality and environmental regulations before being acquired, expanding service to an additional 45,000 Pennsylvanians. During Lucca's tenure Aqua Pennsylvania has increased charitable support for community organizations like food banks, shelters for battered women, environmental organizations that improve watersheds and many more. In 2022, Aqua Pennsylvania was successful in creating a Universal Service Plan for low-income families struggling to maintain utility service. Lucca earned his M.B.A. from Drexel University, an M.E. in environmental engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a B.S. in environmental engineering technology from Temple University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and other states. Lucca serves on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry and the Pennsylvania Chapter of National Association of Water Companies.

Mark McKoy

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Operations
  • Vice President of Operations for Aqua
Mark McKoy is the vice president of operations for Aqua, the water and wastewater business of Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG). Essential is one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states. As vice president of operations, McKoy directly supports the President, has direct oversight of three subsidiary state utilities and has responsibilities in all operating divisions with an emphasis on operational excellence, employee engagement and safety. He is responsible for coordinating, directing and overseeing operations' activities across all 8 states, by ensuring continuous development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective solutions to meet current and future operations needs.

Matthew Rhodes

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development
  • Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development for Essential Utilities, Inc
Matthew Rhodes is executive vice president, strategy and corporate development for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Rhodes leads the development and execution of Essential's strategic initiatives, with an emphasis on growth. Additionally, he is responsible for the organization's overall corporate development, including acquisitions of regulated and market-based businesses, and oversees operations of the market-based businesses. Since joining the organization, Rhodes has led numerous acquisitions and nearly doubled the Company's customer base. His key accomplishments include the pending acquisition of Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority (DELCORA), the largest municipal transaction in Company history. Rhodes also led the Company's acquisition of natural gas distribution company Peoples, which brought together the second-largest U.S. water utility and fifth-largest U.S. stand-alone natural gas local distribution company (based on customers). Upon the closing of Peoples, the Company will have a projected U.S. regulated rate base of more than $7.2 billion, with approximately 70 percent in water and wastewater and 30 percent in natural gas.

Michael Huwar

Job Titles:
  • President, Peoples
Michael Huwar is president of the Peoples division of Essential Utilities, Inc. Huwar joined Peoples in 2020, overseeing operations, maintenance and construction, as well as designing and executing legislative, regulatory, commercial and external strategies for Peoples and its sister utility, Delta Natural Gas,. Huwar also serves as a member of Essential Utilities' executive leadership team, reporting directly to CEO & Chairman Christopher Franklin.

Renee Marquis

Job Titles:
  • Investor Relations Director
For Essential media relations, please call 1.877.325.3477 or email media@essential.co For Aqua media relations, please call 1.877.325.3477 or email media@essential.co For Peoples media relations, please contact the Peoples Media Relations team at 412-430-3187.

Robert Davis - President

Job Titles:
  • President
  • President of Aqua Ohio
Robert Davis is the president of Aqua Ohio's water and wastewater utility at Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states. As president, Davis is responsible for leading strategy, operations and administration for Aqua Ohio's 33 water and five wastewater treatment facilities, which serve approximately 500,000 residents. He also contributes to ongoing Company efforts addressing Ohio's infrastructure needs and the increasing complexity of water quality treatment.

Robert Rubin - CFO, SVP

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Manager
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Chief Accounting Officer
  • Controller
  • Senior Vice President
Robert Rubin is senior vice president, chief accounting officer and controller for Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. He is responsible for external and internal financial reporting, including that required by the Securities Exchange Commission and Sarbanes Oxley regulations. He is also responsible for financial information system projects, coordinating external audits, corporate accounting and maintaining compliance with accounting standards and principles throughout the company. Rubin has led accounting workstreams during three major acquisitions at Essential (previously Aqua America), including a pivotal merger with Consumers Water in 1999 which expanded the company's operating footprint from a single state to five states; the acquisition of AquaSource in 2003 which added five additional states; and the acquisition of natural gas distributor Peoples, marking Essential's expansion into the natural gas utility business. In addition, Rubin launched the company's internal compliance program in 2004, including a committee to champion internal compliance enhancements. Rubin first joined the company in 1989 as an accounting manager. He was later promoted to manager, budgets and finance before being appointed assistant controller in 1994. Prior to joining Aqua America, Rubin was employed by KPMG LLP. Rubin is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University. His professional associations include the Pennsylvania and American Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and the EEI Chief Accounting Officer Committee.

Rod West

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Member of the Corporate Governance Committee
  • Corporate Governance Committee
  • Director since 2023
  • Group President, Utility Operations at Entergy Corporation
  • Member of the Board of Directors for Essential Utilities, Inc
Rod West is a member of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. West is the group president, utility operations at Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR), a Fortune 500 electric production and distribution company located in New Orleans, Louisiana. His portfolio includes strategy development, operational and financial performance for all five of Entergy's operating companies. He oversees the company's electric and natural gas distribution, customer service operations, the utility's engagement with state and local regulators, and regulated retail commercial development and innovation. West previously served as Entergy's executive vice president and chief administrative officer from 2010-2017, where his responsibilities included the company's legal, federal regulatory and governmental, communications, and corporate shared services functions supporting utility, nuclear and wholesale operations, as well as the development and execution of the company's environmental strategy. As president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans from 2007-2010, West led the company out of its post-Hurricane Katrina bankruptcy and back to profitability. He is credited with leading the company's ongoing effort to replace nearly 850 miles of underground pipe damaged after Hurricane Katrina. West received his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and both his J.D. and MBA from Tulane University. He served on the board of directors for the Electric Power Research Institute and the Edison Electric Institute, and he is a Hesburgh trustee for the University of Notre Dame. He's also a member of the Executive Leadership Council, National Football Foundation, and previously served as president of the Allstate Sugar Bowl. West is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Sigma Pi Phi (The Boulé). West serves on the Corporate Governance Committee and Risk Mitigation and investment Policy Committee Member of the Corporate Governance Committee Member of the Risk Mitigation and Investment Policy Committee

Shannon Becker

Job Titles:
  • President of Aqua North Carolina
  • State Controller for Aqua North Carolina
Shannon Becker is the president of Aqua North Carolina, which provides water and wastewater service to about 300,000 customers in 50 counties across North Carolina. Aqua North Carolina is a subsidiary of Essential (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Becker leads the strategy and overall administration for the company's North Carolina regulated utility water and wastewater business including operations, engineering, compliance, safety, regulatory affairs, legal, and new business development functions. In his role, Becker has led multiple capital and operational initiatives that have improved water quality, and enhanced customer communications. He has additionally worked to facilitate the passing of several legislative initiatives that promote the upgrade of critical water and wastewater infrastructure in North Carolina and reduce rate lag. Becker joined Aqua in 2009 as the state controller for Aqua North Carolina. He was promoted to interim chief operating officer and president for Aqua Virginia prior to returning to North Carolina to assume his current role as president for Aqua North Carolina. In addition to owning a private business before coming to Aqua, Becker worked for a number of large corporations in management and financial roles including Corning Incorporated, and Pulte Homes, Inc. Becker also worked for Deloitte & Touche, LLP and led audits of public and private companies as a certified public accountant (CPA).

Sumit Nair - CIO, VP

Job Titles:
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Vice President
Sumit Nair is vice president, chief information officer for Essential (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. In his role as CIO, he will oversee all information technology services, applications and systems across Essential. He will be responsible for advancing infrastructure technology upgrades, protecting our corporate assets, leveraging systems to ensure collaboration and efficiency, continuing the next phase of SIP, and supporting employee and customer needs. Nair is a veteran global IT professional with nearly 30 years of experience executing IT strategy and solutions to drive business transformation and process improvement.

W. Bryan Lewis

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • Audit Committee
  • Director since 2022
  • Member of the Board of Directors for Essential Utilities, Inc
  • Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for the United States Steel Corporation
W. Bryan Lewis is a member of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Lewis is the vice president and chief investment officer for the United States Steel Corporation, where he is responsible for the company's global investments for both the defined contribution and defined benefit plans, as well as other related programs. Prior to his appointment at U.S. Steel, Lewis managed a $30 billion pension fund for the Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System (SERS), and previously served as the executive director of the $20 billion Illinois State Universities Retirement System. He also served six years in an investment management role with the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, where he created the Emerging Manager Program for the state's retirement system and identified high-performing asset management companies owned by minorities and women. In addition to his professional career, Lewis has been dedicated to increasing the financial literacy and leadership presence in underrepresented populations, serving on several nonprofit boards including the John Rex Endowment, AIF/National Institute of Public Finance, The Robert Toigo Foundation, the University of Miami Alumni Association, and the Financial Accounting Foundation. He holds an MBA from the University of Miami and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Maryland College Park. Lewis serves on the following board committees: audit and risk mitigation and investment policy. Member of the Audit Committee Member of the Risk Mitigation and Investment Policy Committee

Whitney Kellett - SVP

Job Titles:
  • Chief Administrative Officer
  • Senior Vice President
  • Business Executive
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer for Essential Utilities, Inc
Whitney Kellett is Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. In this role, she is responsible for all Customer Operations, Customer Programs, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Fleet, Facilities and Physical Security services at Essential Utilities. Kellett is a veteran business executive who specializes in strategic planning, leadership, execution and fiscal management. She has held senior technology positions in a variety of industries including financial services, global transportation, manufacturing, clinical research, commercial real estate, insurance, private equity, energy and utilities. Professional Experience Previous to this role, from 2016-2023, Kellett was the Chief Information Officer at Essential Utilities, responsible for all technology strategy, staff, systems and services. Prior to joining Essential in 2016, Kellett was Chief Information Officer at Atlas Energy, LLC, a publicly traded, E&P energy company. Education Kellett earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia and an Executive Masters of Business Administration at Villanova University, graduating with a 4.0. In 2022, Kellett won the Philadelphia ORBIE CIO of the Year award for the large enterprise category, and in 2023, Kellett was awarded the Bartley Medallion, the highest scholastic honor bestowed by Villanova University.