Chesapeake Utilities Announces Appointment of Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Chesapeake Utilities (NYSE: CPK) announced management appointments effective April 1, 2026: Michael Galtman moves from chief accounting officer to chief transformation officer to lead the ERP implementation and finance-related functions, while Melissa Barnes, who joined March 30, 2026, becomes vice president and chief accounting officer.

The moves align with succession planning, ERP rollout, and continued focus on financial controls, reporting and corporate development under incoming CFO Jeff Sylvester.

Positive

• Appointments effective April 1, 2026
• ERP leadership centralized under chief transformation officer Michael Galtman
• Melissa Barnes joined on March 30, 2026 as chief accounting officer

Negative

• ERP implementation introduces integration risk to operations during rollout
• Leadership transitions create near-term execution risk during role changes

News Market Reaction – CPK

+1.37%

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In the Apr 2 session, CPK gained 1.37%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

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DOVER, Del., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) today announced two leadership appointments that reinforce the Company's commitment to operational excellence and long-term growth. Effective April 1, senior vice president and chief accounting officer Michael Galtman will assume the role of chief transformation officer to oversee the Company's enterprise resource plan (ERP) implementation in addition to managing financial planning, corporate development, tax and treasury operations.

In conjunction with this transition, Melissa Barnes, who joined the Company on March 30, 2026, has been appointed vice president and chief accounting officer, and will be responsible for the Company's accounting and financial reporting functions.

"These appointments reflect our focus on transformative growth and our long-term succession planning efforts. Mike's deep understanding of our business and strategic financial expertise will be key to the implementation of technology systems that will support efficient and affordable operations, while Melissa's experience will ensure continued strength in financial controls, risk management and reporting," said Jeff Sylvester, senior vice president and incoming chief financial officer. "I look forward to working closely with both leaders as I step into my new role and execute on our long-term growth strategy."

Galtman brings more than two decades of financial leadership across multiple publicly traded, regulated environments within the energy industry. Since joining Chesapeake Utilities in 2019, he has guided the Company through complex accounting, regulatory and governance matters, including multiple corporate transactions such as the Florida City Gas acquisition in late 2023. Prior to Chesapeake Utilities, Galtman served as chief accounting officer and vice president at Sunoco Logistics and MBNA, where he integrated nearly $3 billion in acquisitions, led an SAP implementation and managed financial reporting. Galtman began his career in public accounting; he holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rutgers University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Barnes is an accomplished accounting and finance leader with more than 20 years of experience in technical accounting, external reporting, largescale finance transformations‑ and internal controls. She most recently served as assistant controller at a global, publicly traded company, where she led accounting operations, including financial reporting, and provided oversight of Audit Committee communications. In prior roles, Barnes gained deep expertise in partnering with the business to execute complex transactions. Barnes holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has completed executive education at the Yale School of Management. Barnes is a certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:CPK). Chesapeake Utilities Corporation offers sustainable energy solutions through its natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation and distribution, propane gas distribution, mobile compressed natural gas utility services and solutions and other businesses. For more information, visit www.chpk.com.

For more information, contact:

Media
Alexander Nye
Director, Strategic Communications
727.754.0136
ANye@chpk.com

Investors
Lucia M. Dempsey
Head of Investor Relations
347.804.9067
LDempsey@chpk.com  

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SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

FAQ

Who is Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) appointing as chief transformation officer effective April 1, 2026?

Michael Galtman is appointed chief transformation officer effective April 1, 2026. According to the company, he will oversee the ERP implementation and manage financial planning, corporate development, tax and treasury operations.

What role will Melissa Barnes hold at Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) and when did she join?

Melissa Barnes was appointed vice president and chief accounting officer and joined March 30, 2026. According to the company, she will lead accounting and financial reporting and strengthen controls and Audit Committee communications.

How does the April 1, 2026 leadership change affect Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) ERP implementation?

The change places ERP oversight under a dedicated chief transformation officer. According to the company, Michael Galtman will lead the ERP rollout alongside finance, aiming to improve operational efficiency and support long-term growth.

What finance duties will Michael Galtman retain after becoming chief transformation officer at CPK?

Galtman will continue to manage financial planning, corporate development, tax and treasury functions. According to the company, his role combines ERP leadership with core finance responsibilities to ensure continuity during transformation.

Does Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) say why these April 2026 appointments were made?

The company framed the appointments as part of succession planning and transformative growth. According to the company, the moves aim to support technology implementation and maintain strong financial controls during expansion.