VOORHEES, NJ, Nov. 30, 2009 -- American Water Works Company Inc., the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company, today announced Lendel G. Jones, director of Government Affairs for American Water, has been selected for the class of 2009 Women of Distinction. The Philadelphia Business Journal and National Association of Women Business Owners established the awards to honor 25 of the area's most dynamic women who are making headlines in their professional field and their community. The celebration will take place at the annual awards program on Tuesday, December 1 at the Sheraton City Center in Philadelphia, Pa.
Jones has been with American Water for 17 years and rose through the ranks from secretary to vice president of Communications and Government Affairs for the company's northeast region, before being named to her current position as director of Government Affairs for the company. Jones is responsible for setting the government affairs strategy for the company's services in 32 states and Ontario, Canada.
Throughout her career Jones has achieved many professional accomplishments, including most recently working with the Congressional Water Caucus to establish a series of forums to help raise awareness of the nation's serious water and wastewater infrastructure challenges, and with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help create the Water Infrastructure Commission. She also serves on the N.J. Chapter of American Water Works Association's Water Utility Council and the National Association of Water Companies' Government Affairs Committee, and is a past chair of both the N.J. Business and Industry Camden County Employer Legislative Committee and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey's Legislative Affairs Committee.
Jones understands and values the importance of being active in the community through her involvement with several nonprofit organizations including the Camden Board of Education Foundation, the Southern New Jersey Council of Boy Scouts and The Haddonfield Symphony. She also speaks to youth groups and students in Essex, Camden and Atlantic counties, with the goal of encouraging young people and women in particular to do their best to achieve their professional aspirations.
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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