Iowa American Water Announces Jacqueline Kleppe as Manager of External Communications

Rhea-AI Summary

American Water (NYSE:AWK) announced that Jacqueline Kleppe has been appointed Manager of External Communications for Iowa American Water, reporting to President Brad Nielsen. She will lead communications and external affairs statewide, succeeding Lisa Reisen, who retired after 41 years with the company.

Kleppe previously directed outreach and engagement at University of Iowa Health Care, led STEM and workforce programs, and built community partnerships. She holds a master’s in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose University and a bachelor’s in journalism and communications from the University of Iowa.

News Market Reaction – AWK

-1.26%

-1.26% Session close to close

In the Jun 4 session, AWK declined 1.26%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement details a leadership change in Iowa American Water’s external communications, high...

Analysis

This announcement details a leadership change in Iowa American Water’s external communications, highlighting continuity in community outreach and stakeholder engagement. Compared with recent company developments—such as acquisitions that added new customer connections and long-term infrastructure investment plans—this item is more operational than financial. Investors monitoring American Water often focus on regulatory filings, capital allocation, and system growth, while viewing local management appointments as part of ongoing execution rather than primary valuation drivers.

Key Figures

Predecessor tenure: 41 years

1 metrics

Predecessor tenure 41 years Service at Iowa American Water by outgoing communications manager

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: 2026-06-03 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
2026-06-03	Resilience milestone	Positive	+0.1%	Early achievement of Utility Resilience Index goal and long-term capex plans.
2026-06-02	Conference participation	Positive	+2.1%	Management joined panel on utility affordability at WCPSC annual meeting.
2026-06-01	Nexus acquisition NJ	Positive	+2.1%	Completion of Montague Sewer & Water systems acquisition in New Jersey.
2026-06-01	Nexus acquisition VA	Positive	+2.1%	Virginia American Water closed Colchester Utilities wastewater system deal.
2026-06-01	Nexus acquisition IL	Positive	+2.1%	Illinois American Water acquired Prairie Path systems with planned $67M upgrades.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent corporate and regulatory news has generally coincided with modest positive price reactions.

Recent Company History

Over the past few days, American Water (AWK) reported several constructive developments. On June 1, 2026, multiple subsidiaries closed Nexus Water Group system acquisitions, adding thousands of customer connections and planned investments of about $67 million, with shares rising around 2.11%. On June 3, 2026, the company announced it achieved its Utility Resilience Index goal five years early, tied to roughly $48 billion in planned capital improvements. These updates, together with participation in regulatory affordability discussions, frame today’s local management appointment in Iowa as part of ongoing operational execution.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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DAVENPORT, Iowa, June 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Iowa American Water announced today that Jacqueline Kleppe has been appointed to Manager of External Communications, reporting to Brad Nielsen, President of Iowa American Water. In this role, Kleppe will lead the company's communications and external affairs efforts and oversee communications strategy across the state. She is replacing Lisa Reisen, who retired from the company after 41 years of service.

Kleppe joins Iowa American Water from University of Iowa Health Care, where she served as director of outreach and engagement. She led community engagement efforts that increased regional visibility, managed statewide outreach programs that expanded access to STEM education and workforce development opportunities, and built strong relationships with businesses, nonprofits and other stakeholders to advance healthcare access, education and other initiatives.

"Jackie brings to her new position a wealth of valuable experience and strong track record of successful external affairs, community outreach and relationship building," said Nielsen. "We're excited to have her join our team and further our efforts to educate customers about the services we provide."

Kleppe has been active in the community through a number of advisory and board positions for non-profit organizations including United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, Iowa Sports Foundation, Iowa City Area Development, and Iowa Children's Museum, and she also has served on the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Board. She has a master's degree in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose University and a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications from the University of Iowa.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 85 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 225,000 people.

For more information, visit iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE American Water

FAQ

Who is Jacqueline Kleppe, the new Manager of External Communications at Iowa American Water (NYSE:AWK)?

Jacqueline Kleppe is Iowa American Water’s new Manager of External Communications. According to Iowa American Water, she previously served as director of outreach and engagement at University of Iowa Health Care and has extensive experience in community engagement, STEM outreach, and stakeholder relationship building.

What will Jacqueline Kleppe do as Manager of External Communications for Iowa American Water (AWK)?

Jacqueline Kleppe will lead Iowa American Water’s communications and external affairs efforts across the state. According to Iowa American Water, she will oversee communications strategy and support efforts to educate customers about water services and the company’s role in local communities.

Who did Jacqueline Kleppe replace at Iowa American Water and what is the background?

Jacqueline Kleppe replaces Lisa Reisen as Manager of External Communications at Iowa American Water. According to Iowa American Water, Reisen retired after 41 years of service, and Kleppe assumes responsibility for statewide communications and external affairs activities under President Brad Nielsen.

What experience does Jacqueline Kleppe bring to Iowa American Water’s communications role?

Jacqueline Kleppe brings experience in outreach, engagement, and community partnerships to Iowa American Water. According to the company, she increased regional visibility, expanded STEM education and workforce programs, and built relationships with businesses, nonprofits, and stakeholders to advance healthcare access and education initiatives.

What education does Jacqueline Kleppe have for her role at Iowa American Water (AWK)?

Jacqueline Kleppe holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose University. According to Iowa American Water, she also earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from the University of Iowa, supporting her leadership in external communications and public engagement.

How has Jacqueline Kleppe been involved in community organizations before joining Iowa American Water?

Before joining Iowa American Water, Jacqueline Kleppe served on several nonprofit boards and advisory groups. According to the company, her roles included United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, Iowa Sports Foundation, Iowa City Area Development, Iowa Children’s Museum, and the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Board.