American Water named Brad Nielsen as the future President of Pennsylvania American Water following the expected completion of American Water’s proposed merger with Essential Utilities.
Nielsen will oversee Pennsylvania operations and report to Justin Ladner, who is expected to serve as Senior Vice President of State Operations for Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Illinois.
Nielsen currently serves as President of Iowa American Water, a role he has held since July 2024.
He joined Iowa American Water in 2019 as Vice President of Operations.
In that position, Nielsen led approximately 80 employees providing water service to roughly 225,000 people across Iowa.
He has more than 20 years of operations and leadership experience.
Before American Water, Nielsen spent 17 years with Aramark Uniform Services, including serving as Vice President of Operations.
American Water plans to begin searching for Nielsen’s successor as President of Iowa American Water.
The all-stock merger between American Water and Essential Utilities was announced in October 2025.
The combined company is expected to serve more than 4.7 million water and wastewater customer connections and more than 740,000 gas customer connections.
It will operate under the American Water name and maintain its headquarters in Camden, New Jersey.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to remaining regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
KEY QUOTE:
“Brad is a proven leader with deep operational experience and a strong commitment to our customers, employees and communities.”
“His track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering safe, clean, reliable and affordable water service positions him well to lead Pennsylvania American Water into its next chapter.”
Cheryl Norton, EVP and COO of American Water
