CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced today that Denise Venuti Free, formerly Senior Director of Communications and External Affairs for New Jersey American Water, has been appointed Vice President of External Communications. Reporting to Maureen Duffy, Executive Vice President, Communications and External Affairs, Venuti Free will lead the company’s Communications and External Affairs team and overarching communications strategy in the U.S. water industry. Michael Chirico and Megan Hannah have been named to national leadership roles that will drive policymaker and regulatory engagement strategy across the company’s footprint.

Venuti Free joined American Water in 2009, where she served as External Affairs Manager in Corporate Communications for over seven years. Appointed to New Jersey American Water as Director in 2016, and then Senior Director in 2022, she has successfully developed and implemented external affairs strategy for the state. Her corporate and state communications experience, strong track record of successful external and government affairs strategy, thorough knowledge of the water industry and regulatory relationship building make her an outstanding leader in this position.

Michael Chirico has been named Director, Legislative and External Affairs for American Water, reporting to Christine Keck, Vice President, Chief Legislative and External Affairs Officer. In this role, he will lead efforts to strengthen and expand key, strategic third- party relationships, helping to further elevate American Water’s industry leading voice with policy makers and regulators across the nation.

Chirico brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Marshall Health, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, and the U.S. House of Representatives. He most recently served as Vice President of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber, managing relationship-building activities, creating advocacy engagement plans, and providing strategic advice and counsel. His extensive interaction with Members of Congress, senior staff, and key decision-makers, as well as his execution of state contracts and orchestration of high-profile visits and events, will be an asset to the American Water team.

Megan Hannah has been named Director, External Communications for American Water, reporting to Venuti Free. In this role, she will work to build a robust outreach strategy focused on educating key stakeholders on the critical role American Water has in delivering safe, clean affordable and reliable water and wastewater services.

Hannah has served on the West Virginia American Water external affairs team for more than a decade, most recently representing the company as Senior Manager, Government and External Affairs. During her time with West Virginia American Water, Hannah developed exemplary external affairs and community relations strategy across our West Virginia communities.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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