ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 6, 2001 — Donnie R. Crandell has been named president and chief executive officer of Florida Water Services (FWS) and president of ALLETE Water Services. Crandell, executive vice president of ALLETE, Inc., will oversee day-to-day operations of FWS and ALLETE Water Services.
Crandell assumes the duties of John Cirello, who is stepping down as president and CEO after six years at FWS.
Crandell joined ALLETE, Inc. in 1980. He formerly held the position of president and chief executive officer of ALLETE Properties. Crandell, a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, holds a master's degree in Public Administration and a doctorate in Public Finance, both from the University of Georgia.
"Florida Water Services has grown to become an industry leader under the guidance of Dr. Cirello," said Crandell, who served as president of the utility in its formative years. "I am pleased to resume leadership at this time. I am confident that the company will become stronger and its value will continue to grow. Florida Water customers can expect to receive the same superior level of service as has been demonstrated over the past several years."
FWS has also announced that John Tillman is stepping down. Tillman was senior executive vice president/customer relations and business development at FWS.
Florida Water Services is the largest investor-owned water supplier in Florida, serving more than 500,000 customers in 27 counties throughout Florida.
ALLETE, Inc. is a multi-services company with corporate headquarters in Duluth, Minn. ALLETE's holdings include the second largest wholesale automobile auction network in North America; the provider of independent auto dealer inventory financing; the largest investor-owned water utilities in Florida and North Carolina; significant real estate holdings in Florida; and a low-cost electric utility that serves some of the largest industrial customers in the United States.
