Justin Ladner is no stranger to leadership as President of Pennsylvania American Water, the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.  

Once director of National Regulatory Affairs at American Water and president of Illinois American Water, Ladner has shown his commitment to providing clean, safe water and efficient services to communities. 

“Utilities are essential for our way of life,” said Ladner. “We keep life flowing. For me, that’s exciting. We make sure the tap is working and clean water comes out. It’s a higher calling that I appreciate.” 

Ladner’s path to water started around 4 years ago and he has not looked back since. As Pennsylvania is the flagship state for American Water, he realizes how important this opportunity is to highlight what American Water represents to not only residents, but to the employees as well. 

Ladner added, “We are citizens where we serve. Our people are living in the community, and we want everyone to know that we are here to get down to the local level and form trusting relationships with the people we serve.” 

While the company serves its customers by providing safe drinking water and replacing pipelines in neighborhoods, it also connects with businesses, nonprofits, and other groups.   

In Chester County, they have provided financial support to LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County to help them expand accessibility, outreach, and collaboration to the Chester County LGBTQ+ Community. Each year, they partner with Coatesville Youth Initiative (CYI) for Camp Quiet Thunder, a Brandywine Watershed discovery day camp where youths in grades 4^th -6^th learn critical lessons on ecological and watershed protection.  

Additionally in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania American Water partnered with the Montgomery County Master Watershed Stewards and the Montgomery County Conservation District to install a riparian buffer along the lower Perkiomen Creek. They planted over 150 trees and shrubs to help protect the Perkiomen Creek, a major tributary of the Schuylkill River which is an important source of water supply for Pennsylvania American Water.  

Ladner realizes the responsibility he has overseeing water utilities for over 2 million people in the state. While having a large responsibility, he also enjoys the opportunity for connection. 

“No day is the same with these responsibilities. We have over 1,200 employees at Pennsylvania American Water, and each team member knows the potential we have to be a solution for a community’s water or wastewater needs. I’m always looking to lead in a manner where we can all feel valued and do an excellent job,” he said. 

Learn more at Pennsylvania American Water.

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