New Jersey American Water announced on Friday it has made changes to its Government Affairs and Business Development teams.
The Camden-based utility said David Mayer has been appointed to director of government affairs and business development, merging the two segments into one. Mayer has served as NJAW’s director of government affairs since June 2019.
Under his new role, Mayer will provide strategic government affairs counsel, maintain relationships with elected officials and focus on state legislative activities as well as municipality partnerships. Mayer, who also serves as mayor of Gloucester Township, has worked at the legislative and state level, including as senior director of government affairs for Comcast, a member of the State Assembly, as the Camden County Deputy County Clerk and as a district director for Representative Robert Andrews. He also is an adjunct professor at Rowan University and earned his bachelor’s, master’s and law degree from Rutgers University.
“These teams have always been strategic partners and this change will ensure a cohesive path forward as we work to continue to engage and educate state and community leaders in providing quality water and wastewater services,” Cheryl Norton, president of New Jersey American Water and chief environmental officer of American Water, said. “Dave, Nick and Sakeema are experts in their field and have a deep commitment to public service and community engagement.”
Also announced was Nicholas DeVecchis to senior manager of business development and Sakeema James as manager of government affairs.
DeVecchis, who has been with New Jersey American Water for 14 years, will lead the company’s efforts to grow its regulated water and wastewater footprint. Stephens, who joined in May 2019, will continue in her role as manager of business development and report to DeVecchis. She will be tasked with overseeing communications with elected officials in the company’s North, Central and Coastal regions. Prior to NJAW, she was chief of staff for State Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham and professor of public administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University
