American Water Works Co. Inc. announced that David Baker, currently the senior vice president of American Water’s Northeast Division and president of New Jersey American Water, is retiring in February 2014. Baker will remain with American Water for several months to ensure a smooth transition. William Varley, currently the president of New York American Water, will replace Baker, effective Sept. 16, 2013.
Baker has been with American Water since 1995 and successfully led many parts of the business. Prior to his most recent role leading one of American Water’s largest states, he served as senior vice president of American Water’s former Western Div., which included Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and New Mexico. Baker’s other roles included president of both Indiana American Water and Michigan American Water, vice president of Business Development for the Central Region and Eastern Div. manager for Illinois American Water.
“I can’t thank David enough for the value he has brought to our business and our customers. Many times we asked David to take on new challenges and he always did so with enthusiasm and commitment. He will be missed and we wish him well,” said Walter Lynch, president and COO of American Water Regulated Operations. “At the same time, I am very pleased to announce that Bill Varley will now lead our New Jersey regulated operations in addition to our New York subsidiary. Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences to this expanded role, recently doubling our New York operations through a major acquisition last year.”
As president of New York American Water, Varley leads operations that provide water services to more than 370,000 people. In this role, he has reinforced and strengthened customer, regulatory and local government relationships. In addition, he has driven operational and financial results.
Varley also served as vice president and manager of Long Island American Water, as well as vice president of Business Development for New Jersey and New York. Prior to that position, he was the operations manager for the Production Department.
Before joining American Water in 2000, Varley was the district manager for Layne Christensen Co. for 13 years. He also worked for consulting engineering firms Camp Dresser & McKee and Hazen & Sawyer as resident and design engineer for large wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
Varley is currently Chairman of the New York Chapter of the National Assn. of Water Cos., and is a member of the New York Section of the American Water Works Assn. He holds a Bachelors of Science in civil engineering technology from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Varley will relocate to New Jersey American Water’s headquarters located in Voorhees, N.J.
Source: American Water
