Aqua’s Chief Operating Officer, Rick Fox, announced two directors from regulated operations have been promoted to vice president roles.

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Joe Thurwanger has been appointed Aqua Pennsylvania’s vice president of planning and engineering. (P ...

Joe Thurwanger has been appointed Aqua Pennsylvania’s vice president of planning and engineering. (Photo: Business Wire)

Jim Barbato has been named vice president of corporate engineering and Joe Thurwanger has been appointed Aqua Pennsylvania’s vice president of planning and engineering. These promotions follow Senior Vice President of Engineering and Environmental Affairs Bill Ross’ retirement following a 20-year career with Aqua.

Barbato has worked with Aqua for 10 years in roles including regional engineer for Aqua New Jersey, and jointly as interim director of operations for Aqua Virginia. Barbato has managed engineering activities for Aqua Virginia, prepared state facility plans and capital budgets for several state companies and delivered major capital projects for Aqua New Jersey and Aqua North Carolina. He will report directly to Fox.

Thurwanger, a 27-year veteran of Aqua, has a broad range of experience in water and wastewater planning, concept development, facility engineering, construction management and hydraulic analysis. He will report to Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca.

“Jim and Joe have amassed an incredible level of project management experience in their respective areas and have proven that they are ready for the next step in their Aqua careers,” said Fox. “We are excited to see them excel and continue to have a strong and direct impact in delivering exceptional service to our customers.”

After a career spanning 50 years in the water and wastewater industry, Ross retired in March.

About Aqua America

Aqua America is one of the largest U.S.-based, publicly traded water utilities and serves nearly 3 million people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana and Virginia. Aqua America is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WTR. Visit AquaAmerica.com for more information.

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