Essential Utilities Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Essential Utilities has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, and regional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to public health and environmental sustainability, Essential Utilities provides indispensable water, wastewater, and natural gas services, underpinning economic development 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
  • Christopher Franklin - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Franklin, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Essential Utilities, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the company's essential water, wastewater, and natural gas services. Franklin guides the organization's commitment to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development across its service territories. Overseeing all major corporate initiatives, Christopher Franklin ensures alignment with regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations, driving growth and operational excellence. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for the company's subsidiaries, Aqua and Peoples, to maintain reliable access to fundamental resources for millions of customers. By fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility, Franklin secures the company's position as a critical infrastructure provider, supporting modern living and economic activity throughout the United States.
    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, provides critical administrative support to the company's highest leadership position. McGonigle manages complex scheduling, facilitates communication, and ensures the efficient operation of the Chairman and CEO's office. This role is vital for enabling Christopher Franklin to focus on strategic direction and executive decision-making. By handling essential logistical and organizational tasks, Tracy McGonigle directly contributes to the smooth functioning of the executive leadership team and supports the company's mission of delivering essential utility services. The effective management of executive priorities by McGonigle underpins the company's ability to maintain reliable water, wastewater, and natural gas services across its extensive operational footprint.

    James Barbato - Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua

    James Barbato, the Vice President Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Aqua at Essential Utilities, supports the operational leadership of the company's water and wastewater services. Barbato assists in overseeing the complex processes of water treatment, distribution, and wastewater management across Aqua's service areas. This role is critical for ensuring the consistent delivery of safe and high-quality water resources, adhering to stringent regulatory standards. By contributing to operational strategies, James Barbato helps maintain the integrity of the water infrastructure, supporting public health and environmental sustainability. The Deputy COO's involvement in operational planning and execution is fundamental to the reliable provision of these indispensable services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

    Marc Lucca - President At Aqua Pennsylvania

    Marc Lucca, the President At Aqua Pennsylvania at Essential Utilities, directs the strategic operations and market presence for the company's water and wastewater services within the state of Pennsylvania. Lucca oversees the delivery of essential water and wastewater management, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while prioritizing customer service and infrastructure reliability. This leadership position involves driving operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives for Aqua Pennsylvania's extensive customer base. By managing regional operations, Marc Lucca ensures the consistent provision of fundamental resources critical for public health and economic development. The President's focus on infrastructure investment and service quality directly supports Essential Utilities' mission to provide indispensable services across its key operating regions.
    Marc Lucca

    Sumit Nair - Chief Information Officer

    Sumit Nair, the Chief Information Officer at Essential Utilities, architects and executes the company's technology strategy, ensuring robust and secure information systems across all operations. Nair oversees the digital infrastructure that supports the delivery of essential water, wastewater, and natural gas services to millions of customers. This leadership position involves driving innovation in IT solutions to enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and customer service. By managing the company's technology roadmap, Sumit Nair ensures that Essential Utilities leverages cutting-edge digital tools to maintain reliability and sustainability in its infrastructure. The CIO's focus on cybersecurity and data integrity is paramount to protecting sensitive customer information and operational continuity, directly supporting the company's mission of providing indispensable resources.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Energy, Utilities & Waste

    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 5 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.