American Water names retired general as military services exec

American Water named a new president of its Military Services Group.

Retired Brig. Gen. David Turner will begin leading the Voorhees-based company’s MSG starting Nov. 20. He will replace Todd Duerr, who is leaving Jan. 1.

“Todd has been a valued leader for the Military Services Group, helping MSG grow to 13 bases with the recent signing of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio,” said American Water Enterprises President Deborah A. Degillio. “We are excited to have Gen. Turner lead our MSG team, and apply his deep military experience to help us become an even more effective partner with the U.S. armed forces.”

Turner has more than 20 years of broad military service, most recently serving as commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division. There, he oversaw the planning, design and construction of projects to support the military, protect water resources and restore and enhance the environment in eight Southeastern states.

He also commanded the South Pacific Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He served on the Joint Staff as assistant deputy director of operations, emergency action officer, global nuclear strike adviser and senior operations officer.

A highly decorated military leader, Turner has earned the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal; three Legion of Merit awards; the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device; and two Bronze Star medals.

“We are humbled to have someone who has given so much to his country become part of the American Water team,” said American Water CEO and President Susan Story. “Gen. Turner’s leadership and extensive expertise will add great value to the leadership team at American Water.”

The Military Services Group works with the U.S. military to treat and supply water and to collect and treat wastewater for military installations all over the country as part of the federal government’s Utility Privatization Program.

It currently operates and maintains the water and/or wastewater assets at 13 installations: Picatinny Arsenal; plus Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Meade, Maryland; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Hill Air Force Base, Utah.