Press Releases

National Association of Water Companies Announces 2009–2010 Board of Directors
Aquarion Company’s Charles Firlotte named President of the NAWC Board of Directors

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) announced today that Charles Firlotte, president and chief executive officer of Aquarion Company, has been named president of the NAWC board of directors. Sandra C. Sullivan, vice president of Government & Industry Relations for Veolia Water North America, and Maureen P. Westbrook, vice president of Customer and Regulatory Affairs of Connecticut Water Company, were also named to the 2009–2010 NAWC board of directors.

“We thank Don Correll for his energetic and strategic leadership over the past year, and welcome new board President Charles Firlotte and new board members Sandra Sullivan and Maureen Westbrook,” said Michael Deane, executive director of NAWC. “Every day nearly one in four Americans receives their water from a privately owned water utility or a municipal utility operating under a public-private partnership. I know our board members will help NAWC continue to ensure that this life-giving resource is managed in the most efficient and forward-thinking manner possible.”

Firlotte, who was appointed president and chief executive officer of Aquarion Company in September 2003, assumes the NAWC board presidency from Donald L. Correll, president and chief executive officer of American Water. Firlotte joined Aquarion Water Company’s predecessor, Bridgeport Hydraulic Company (BHC), in 1987 as director of Human Resources and Administrative Services. He was elected a vice president in 1988 and in 1991, vice president of Aquarion Water’s parent, Aquarion Company. He later served the company as its senior vice president and chief operating officer. From 2000 to August 2003, Firlotte relocated to the U.K. as director of Yorkshire Water, for Aquarion’s former parent company, Kelda Group Inc. At Yorkshire Water, he was responsible for providing water and wastewater services to more than 4.7 million people and 140,000 businesses. Involved in the promotion of Connecticut economic development and commerce, Chuck is also the chairman of
the board for the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, an organization of 1000 business members. Firlotte also maintains active roles on the boards of St. Vincent’s Medical Center and St. Thomas University in Eastern Canada.

"Water resources management has never been more important to our nation and the global economy,“ said Firlotte. “I am thrilled to have been entrusted with this honor by my peers." Firlotte was also named president of the NAWC board of directors’ Executive Committee.

Sandra Sullivan is vice president of Government & Industry Relations for Veolia Water North America. She is the company’s key representative and liaison with groups and associations in the water sector. She also leads the sales and marketing efforts for the Northeast region that includes the six New England states and the State of New York. Sullivan has more than 30 years of professional experience, with more than 18 years of experience in the water industry. She joined Veolia Water in 1991, and is responsible for the development of public-private partnerships in the water and wastewater industry. Prior to joining Veolia Water, Sullivan held state-level governmental positions of responsibility, including director of Housing, Energy & Intergovernmental Relations for the State of Rhode Island, and served as deputy chief of staff to the Governor of Rhode Island. Sullivan also serves as chair of the Water Institute for the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships.

Maureen P. Westbrook is vice president of Customer and Regulatory Affairs for Connecticut Water Company and is responsible for all of the company’s customer service programs, and the oversight of customer communications, public information and media relations. Westbrook interacts with state regulators and legislators on matters affecting the company and the water industry; oversees water resources and planning programs and is involved in regulatory permitting and compliance; and has held various positions in the company with responsibilities in the areas of source protection, water resource planning, regulatory compliance, human resources, information technology, purchasing and customer service. Prior to joining Connecticut Water Company, Westbrook worked in the Connecticut Department of Public Health Water Supply Section developing the water supply planning program, drafting regulations, reviewing water utility plans, and coordinating the state’s area-wide water supply planning process. She started her career as town planner at a Regional Planning Agency and later in the Town of East Windsor. Westbrook holds leadership roles in a number of professional associations and is a member and vice chair of the Westbrook Board of Education.

Other NAWC board members include:

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