Aqua America, Inc. has hired Deborah Watkins as its new director of water quality and environmental compliance. Watkins replaces Colleen Arnold, whom Aqua promoted to deputy chief operating officer in September of last year.
Watkins comes to Aqua America with more than 30 years of experience, most recently as senior project manager at O’Brien & Gere, an engineering firm with advanced manufacturing, energy, environmental and water services. She was responsible for identifying, developing and managing initiatives involving water and wastewater treatment facility consultation, design, construction and regulatory permitting. Prior to working for O’Brien & Gere, Watkins spent several years at Weston Solutions, Inc. where she began her career as a technical director of engineering. She was promoted to vice president after successful development of the pharmaceutical industry practice and subsequent development of the upstream oil and gas practice in the company’s Mid-Atlantic division.
Watkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Bucknell University and a Master of Science degree in water resources and environmental engineering at Villanova University. She is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
Source: Aqua America