Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Essential Utilities Age: 60 Lead Independent Director of the Board Independent Director Since 2022 Committees: Corporate Governance and Nominating Safety and Operations (Chair) Key Qualifications and Skills Leading to Board Nomination Utility Industry Experience As the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of a public utility company, Mr. Franklin has key experience and understanding regarding the management of a public utility that provides the Board with valuable insight as the Board oversees the Company s short- and long-term plans and the Company s regulatory and legislative priorities for the benefit of the Company s stakeholders. Customer Experience As the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of a public utility company, Mr. Franklin provides valuable insight regarding the relationship between a public company and its customers, including as customers continue to seek additional technological resources to improve the customer experience. This insight is critical to the Board and the Company as we continuously seek to improve our service for the benefit of our customers and communities. Operations and Safety Experience As the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of a public utility, Mr. Franklin has extensive experience regarding the operations of a utility and managing such operations in a safe manner for the communities it operates in and its employees. This experience is critical to the Board as it oversees the Company s operations, including the safe operation of our facilities for the benefit of our employees, customers, and communities. Experience Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President (2015 Present) of Essential Utilities, Inc., a public company providing regulated utilities, including water, wastewater and natural gas, to customers in 10 states; has served in various roles of increasing responsibility at Essential Utilities, Inc. (f.k.a. AquaAmerica, Inc.) since 1992 Other Boards (For Profit and Non-Profit Entities) Public Company Chairman, Essential Utilities, Inc. (2015 Present) ITC Holdings (2011 2016) Other University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees (2015 Present) Franklin Institute of Philadelphia (2017 Present) Independence Blue Cross (2024 Present) Education and Credentials B.S., West Chester University M.B.A., Villanova University