American Water announced it has made some changes to its leadership as well as formalized a partnership with the city of Camden.
Cheryl Norton will serve as the Camden-based company’s new president. She was also named senior vice president of its Eastern division, effective March 25. Norton replaced Deborah Degillio, who was named chief customer officer. Kevin Kirwan was also recently named chief environmental officer.
The company also announced it signed a Community Investment Agreement with Camden Mayor Frank Moran and the city. The agreement, American Water said, will help establish a plan for community education and outreach, job training, and more throughout the city.
“Environmental leadership is a core American Water value,” Susan Story, CEO of American Water, said. “New Jersey is a national leader in addressing water quality, emerging contaminants, and sustainability of water supply and infrastructure. We are very excited to partner with the state, and all of our states, in ongoing efforts to develop innovative solutions to water quality, supply and infrastructure issues.”
Norton has served as president of Missouri American Water since 2015. Before that, she was president of Kentucky American Water. She was also vice president of operations for Illinois American Water. From 2000 to 2007, Norton served as a laboratory director for American Water’s Central Laboratory in Illinois. She’s been with the company since 1988 where she began her career as a research technician.
Degillio has more than 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Prior to her appointment, she was president of American Water Enterprises. Before that, she was vice president and treasure of American Water. She’s also served in finance functions in two different American Water subsidiaries.
Kirwan has held a number of key roles at American Water, including water production superintendent, regional operations manager, director of maintenance services, senior director of operations for coastal New Jersey, vice president of operations. Most recently, he served as vice president of operational excellence.
“We are excited to have Cheryl lead New Jersey and the Eastern division,” Walter Lynch, chief operating officer, American Water, said. “With more than 30 years of experience in the water business, Cheryl is deeply committed to our customers, employees and the communities we are privileged to serve. We are also pleased to have Deb take on this role at American Water as it is key in our commitment to put our customers at the center of everything we plan and do. And Kevin will further enhance our environmental leadership role in not only compliance and operations, but also in our environmental and water quality research, development and deployment efforts,” Lynch said.
