New Jersey American Water recently named Ben Morris vice president of operations, one of three key leadership changes the company made to its operations teams.
The company also announced that Jeff Bowlby has been promoted to senior director of north operations — and Eric Hahn has been promoted to senior director of south operations.
“Each of these individuals not only brings decades of industry experience to their new roles, but also a commitment to providing outstanding water service to our customers,” NJAW President Mark McDonough said.
Morris will oversee the company’s statewide operations in his new role as vice president of operations.
Morris brings years of utility leadership experience prior to him joining American Water in 2021, including working as a director in the operations organization of Duquesne Light Co. Morris has held multiple roles at American Water focused on business performance, operations and business development, and most recently served as senior director of business performance with American Water. He succeeds Tom Shroba, who was recently promoted to vice president of operations, strategic programs and supply chain with American Water.
As senior director of north operations, Bowlby will supervise over 120 industry professionals serving approximately 96,000 water and 10,000 wastewater customers across the company’s North Region, including the Short Hills and Washington operations centers, and the Long Hill and statewide sewer operations. Bowlby has more than 25 years of industry experience and started his New Jersey American Water career as a construction inspector in 2007, later progressing into various operations and leadership positions. Bowlby was most recently senior manager of coastal operations. He succeeds Bob Schaefer, who recently retired after 40 years of service.
As senior director of south operations, Hahn will expand upon his previous role as senior manager of south operations by overseeing water production, wastewater collection and field services, including over 190 industry professionals serving more than 215,000 customers in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Gloucester and Salem counties. Hahn has 24 years of industry experience and has held various American Water roles and leadership positions during his 18-year career, beginning in the engineering department. Hahn succeeds David Forcinito, who was recently promoted to vice president of fleet with American Water.
