Essential Utilities Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Essential Utilities has 7 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and administrative governance.

Committed to delivering reliable water and natural gas services, Essential Utilities maintains a mission focused on public health, environmental sustainability, and the consistent provision of fundamental resources 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
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Daniel Schuller
  • Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua - James Barbato
  • President At Aqua Pennsylvania - Marc Lucca
  • Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff - Alexis Rodriguez
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Whitney Kellett
  • 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 organization. Overseeing the integration of water, wastewater, and natural gas operations, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves managing relationships with the Board of Directors while driving initiatives that enhance infrastructure reliability across the United States. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and operational excellence, Christopher Franklin shapes the company's market position as a critical utility provider. Franklin maintains a focus on delivering consistent value to shareholders and customers alike. Through rigorous oversight of the Aqua and Peoples subsidiaries, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of essential services that support modern living and economic development, ultimately reinforcing the company's reputation as a leader in the regulated utility sector.
    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 complex operational flow of the executive office. Coordinating high-level communications and scheduling, the Executive Administrator To Christopher Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer facilitates efficient decision-making processes for the leadership team. This role involves filtering critical information for the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that strategic priorities receive immediate attention. By streamlining administrative workflows, Mcgonigle supports the effective execution of corporate goals across the water and natural gas segments. The Executive Administrator maintains close alignment with the Board of Directors and senior management to ensure organizational cohesion. Through meticulous attention to detail and proactive management of executive resources, Tracy Mcgonigle optimizes the daily operations of the company's top leadership, directly contributing to the seamless delivery of essential utility services to millions of residential and industrial customers nationwide.

    Daniel Schuller - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Daniel Schuller, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Essential Utilities, directs the financial strategy and capital allocation for the entire organization. Overseeing fiscal planning, investor relations, and treasury functions, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support long-term infrastructure investments. This role involves managing the financial health of both the water and natural gas segments, providing the necessary capital to fund critical system upgrades. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Schuller guides the company through complex regulatory environments and capital markets. Daniel Schuller collaborates with the Board of Directors to communicate financial performance and growth prospects to stakeholders. Through disciplined financial management and risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to sustain the company's mission, ultimately driving the financial stability and operational expansion of the utility platform across its diverse service territories.

    James Barbato - Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua

    James Barbato, the Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua at Essential Utilities, manages the technical execution of water and wastewater treatment processes. Overseeing regional distribution networks, the Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua ensures that infrastructure projects meet stringent safety and quality standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with engineering teams to modernize aging systems and improve service reliability for residential and commercial customers. By optimizing operational efficiency, Barbato drives the successful implementation of capital improvement programs across the Aqua subsidiary. James Barbato monitors performance metrics to guarantee compliance with environmental regulations, directly impacting the health and safety of the communities served. Through strategic planning and field-level oversight, the Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua maintains the integrity of the water supply chain, ensuring that the company continues to provide essential resources that support economic activity and public well-being throughout the United States.

    Marc Lucca - President At Aqua Pennsylvania

    Marc Lucca, the President At Aqua Pennsylvania at Essential Utilities, directs the regional operations and customer service delivery for the company's largest water and wastewater subsidiary. Overseeing the treatment, distribution, and maintenance of water resources, the President At Aqua Pennsylvania ensures that all operations comply with state and federal regulatory standards. This role involves managing local infrastructure projects and engaging with community stakeholders to maintain high levels of service quality and safety. By focusing on operational reliability and customer satisfaction, Lucca drives the performance of the Aqua platform within the state. Marc Lucca coordinates with engineering and field teams to address infrastructure needs and improve system resilience. Through effective regional leadership and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the President At Aqua Pennsylvania secures the delivery of clean water to millions of residents, directly supporting the company's broader mission of providing essential resources that are indispensable to everyday life.
    Marc Lucca

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

    Alexis Rodriguez, the Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff at Essential Utilities, architects the long-term growth initiatives and strategic planning for the company. Overseeing mergers, acquisitions, and business development opportunities, the Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff identifies new markets and service expansions that align with the core mission of providing essential utility services. This role involves synthesizing data from the water and natural gas segments to inform executive decision-making and resource allocation. By managing the strategic agenda, Rodriguez ensures that the organization remains competitive and responsive to evolving industry demands. Alexis Rodriguez coordinates cross-functional teams to execute high-priority projects that enhance the company's infrastructure platform. Through rigorous market analysis and strategic foresight, the Corporate Development Vice President, Strategy & Chief of Staff drives the company's evolution, ensuring that the business model remains resilient and capable of supporting sustainable growth across the United States.

    Whitney Kellett - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Whitney Kellett, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Essential Utilities, directs the internal support functions that enable the company to deliver reliable water and natural gas services. Overseeing human resources, information technology, and corporate facilities, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company's operational goals and safety standards. This role involves implementing scalable systems that improve organizational efficiency and support the needs of employees across all subsidiaries. By fostering a culture of excellence and compliance, Kellett drives the development of talent and technology infrastructure necessary for modern utility operations. Whitney Kellett collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate administrative processes with strategic business objectives. Through the management of critical internal services, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) maintains the operational foundation of the company, ensuring that the organization possesses the human and technical capacity to meet the demands of millions of customers throughout the United States.

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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 Daniel Schuller (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    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), Daniel Schuller (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Essential Utilities have?
    Essential Utilities has 7 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, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua, President At Aqua Pennsylvania.