Christopher Franklin

Biography

 Christopher H. Franklin is chief executive officer of Aqua America. Aqua America is a publicly traded water and wastewater utility holding company with operating subsidiaries serving approximately 3 million people in eight states. Aqua America is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WTR. Franklin was previously president and chief operating officer, regulated operations. A 20-plus-year veteran of the company, Franklin has held executive roles in public affairs, customer operations and as regional president of the company's southern and mid-western operations, where he managed eight states. While holding that post, Franklin significantly increased the performance and earnings power of these diverse state operations, while simultaneously serving as senior vice president of the company's corporate and public affairs, where he was also responsible for the company's federal, state and municipal legislative affairs, investor relations, and communications. Since joining Aqua America in December 1992 as director, corporate and public affairs, Franklin headed several successful projects, including advocacy for the passage of legislation designed to provide customers of state-regulated water and wastewater utilities with improved water quality and better water and wastewater systems while allowing a fair and reasonable return for shareholders. Franklin also attained national print and broadcast media coverage for the company, changed the name and rebranded the company and its subsidiaries, and expanded its investor relations outreach to increase analyst coverage of the company. Before joining Aqua America, Franklin worked at PECO Energy Company (an Exelon Company) where he was regional, civic and economic development officer, responsible for the review, recommendation and promotion of economic development initiatives in the Philadelphia region. Franklin earned his B.S. from West Chester University and his M.B.A. from Villanova University. Franklin is active in the utility industry and is vice president of the National Association of Water Companies' board of directors. Franklin serves on the board of directors of ITC Inc. (NYSE: ITC), where he chairs the board committee on operations and serves on the board audit committee. ITC is an expanding electric transmission utility headquartered in Novi, Michigan.

Research Interest

 Business & Management