American Water Senior Vice President Addresses International Conference of Women Utility Professsionals

Senior Vice President of American Water’s Mid-Atlantic Division Kathy L. Pape shared her business philosophy and path to success with approximately 150 women attending the recent conference of the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals (WiNUP). Pape, who also serves as president of Pennsylvania American Water, delivered her address during the three-day WiNUP conference held in Charleston, WV, with representatives from more than a dozen states.

Formed in 1999, WiNUP is an organization that provides a link for developing and recognizing professionals involved with utility business trends, issues, products and services. WiNUP chapters currently exist in 18 regions across the country, and a new chapter in Pennsylvania is in the planning stage.

Pape’s remarks encouraged the women to adopt leadership behaviors that will add value to their companies and their careers. She also advised them to take risks, get involved and build partnerships, and support younger women who are new to their organizations.

“Kathy’s remarks to the water, gas and electric utility women at the conference really had an impact,” said Jeri Matheney, member of the West Virginia chapter. “She talked about her own experiences and gave us practical advice that we can put to use in our own careers.”

Pape has served as senior vice president of American Water’s Mid-Atlantic Division since October 2011, and leads the company’s subsidiaries in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia, along with Pennsylvania. She has more than 35 years’ experience in the utility industry and is a nationally recognized expert on the water and wastewater industries. She is also immediate past chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Business Council.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and parts of Canada.

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