Essential Utilities Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Essential Utilities has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, administration, information technology, corporate development, operations, and regional water management.

Focused on delivering reliable water and natural gas services, Essential Utilities maintains a commitment to public health and environmental sustainability through robust infrastructure across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Essential Utilities

  • Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Franklin
  • Executive Administrator To Christopher Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer - Tracy Mcgonigle
  • Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua - James Barbato
  • President At Aqua Pennsylvania - Marc Lucca
  • Chief Information Officer - Sumit Nair
  • Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff - Alexis Rodriguez
  • Christopher Franklin - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Franklin, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Essential Utilities, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire infrastructure portfolio. Overseeing the integration of water, wastewater, and natural gas services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term regulatory standards and shareholder value. This leadership role involves managing complex capital allocation strategies to support the expansion of utility networks across the United States. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and public health, Christopher Franklin drives the organization toward operational excellence. The Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to refine corporate governance and long-term growth objectives. Through rigorous oversight of the Aqua and Peoples subsidiaries, the Chief Executive Officer secures the reliability of essential resources for millions of customers. Franklin fosters a culture of safety and compliance, ensuring that all infrastructure investments meet the highest industry benchmarks for quality and service delivery.
    Christopher Franklin

    Tracy Mcgonigle - Executive Administrator To Christopher Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

    Tracy Mcgonigle, the Executive Administrator To Christopher Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Essential Utilities, manages the high-level operational flow for the executive office. Coordinating complex schedules and strategic priorities, the Executive Administrator ensures that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer remains focused on critical business initiatives. This role involves facilitating communication between the C-suite and various internal departments to streamline decision-making processes. By organizing executive meetings and tracking key performance indicators, Tracy Mcgonigle supports the efficient execution of corporate goals. The Executive Administrator maintains the integrity of sensitive information while managing the administrative infrastructure that supports the leadership team. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Executive Administrator enables the seamless operation of the company's executive functions. Mcgonigle optimizes the daily workflow of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, allowing for greater focus on the long-term expansion of water and natural gas services across the national footprint.

    James Barbato - Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua

    James Barbato, the Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua at Essential Utilities, directs the day-to-day technical operations of the water and wastewater treatment facilities. Overseeing the maintenance of distribution networks and the implementation of safety protocols, the Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua ensures that all services meet stringent regulatory standards. This leadership role involves managing field teams to optimize the delivery of water resources to residential and commercial customers. By focusing on infrastructure resilience, James Barbato supports the company's mission to provide reliable access to fundamental resources. The Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua collaborates with regional managers to improve service quality and operational efficiency across the national footprint. Through the application of advanced engineering practices, the Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua mitigates risks and enhances the longevity of utility assets. Barbato drives the operational agenda, ensuring that all water and wastewater processes remain compliant with environmental regulations and safety requirements.

    Marc Lucca - President At Aqua Pennsylvania

    Marc Lucca, the President At Aqua Pennsylvania at Essential Utilities, manages the regional delivery of water and wastewater services within the Pennsylvania market. Overseeing the local utility infrastructure and customer service operations, the President At Aqua Pennsylvania ensures that the company maintains high levels of reliability and quality for the local population. This leadership role involves engaging with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies to support the company's commitment to public health and environmental sustainability. By optimizing the local distribution network, Marc Lucca drives operational efficiency and service excellence. The President At Aqua Pennsylvania collaborates with the broader corporate leadership team to implement best practices in water treatment and resource management. Through the effective management of regional assets, the President At Aqua Pennsylvania supports the company's overall mission to provide essential services that are indispensable to everyday life. Lucca ensures that all regional activities align with the company's broader strategic goals and safety standards.
    Marc Lucca

    Sumit Nair - Chief Information Officer

    Sumit Nair, the Chief Information Officer at Essential Utilities, architects the digital infrastructure required to support large-scale utility operations. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures the protection of critical network assets across the United States. This leadership role involves implementing advanced technology solutions to monitor water treatment and natural gas distribution pipelines. By modernizing the digital landscape, Sumit Nair enhances operational efficiency and service reliability for millions of residential and industrial customers. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate data-driven insights into the company's long-term growth strategy. Through the deployment of scalable cloud platforms, the Chief Information Officer supports the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. Nair drives the digital transformation agenda, ensuring that all technological investments align with the core mission of providing essential resources to the public while maintaining high levels of safety and quality.

    Alexis Rodriguez - Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff

    Alexis Rodriguez, the Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff at Essential Utilities, manages the strategic planning and business development initiatives that drive long-term growth. Overseeing the evaluation of potential acquisitions and market expansion opportunities, the Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff ensures that all investments align with the company's core utility mission. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to execute complex projects that enhance the infrastructure platform. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Alexis Rodriguez provides the leadership team with actionable insights for resource allocation. The Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff facilitates alignment between the Board and operational departments to ensure consistent progress toward corporate objectives. Through rigorous financial modeling and strategic assessment, Rodriguez supports the expansion of water and natural gas services. The Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff maintains a focus on sustainable development, ensuring that all growth initiatives contribute to the company's reputation as a reliable provider of essential services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Essential Utilities Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Essential Utilities?
    Essential Utilities is led by Christopher Franklin (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tracy Mcgonigle (Executive Administrator To Christopher Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) and James Barbato (Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua).
    Who is part of Essential Utilities’s executive team?
    The executive team of Essential Utilities includes leaders such as Christopher Franklin (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), Tracy Mcgonigle (Executive Administrator To Christopher Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), James Barbato (Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Essential Utilities have?
    Essential Utilities has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Essential Utilities’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Essential Utilities includes roles such as Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Administrator To Christopher Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua, President At Aqua Pennsylvania, Chief Information Officer.