M. Susan Hardwick is the President and Chief Executive Officer at American Water Works Inc., a leading publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States. She assumed this role in 2020, bringing with her an extensive background in the utility industry. Prior to her current position, Hardwick served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at American Water, where she played a pivotal role in the company's financial strategy and growth. Hardwick's career in the utility sector spans over three decades, during which she has held various leadership positions. Before joining American Water, she worked at several other utility companies, including roles at Baltimore Gas and Electric and Constellation Energy. Her expertise in finance and strategic planning has been instrumental in driving American Water's expansion and operational efficiency. Under her leadership, the company has continued to focus on infrastructure investments and customer service improvements, solidifying its position as a market leader. As President and CEO, Hardwick oversees the strategic direction and operations of American Water, which serves approximately 14 million customers across 14 states. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to sustainability and innovation, with initiatives aimed at enhancing water quality and resource management. Hardwick's vision for the company includes leveraging technology to improve service delivery and preparing for the challenges posed by climate change. Her contributions have been recognized within the industry, and she continues to be a prominent figure in advancing the utility sector's role in community and environmental stewardship.