Spencer Municipal Utilities competitors

Christopher Franklin is chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Essential Utilities, Inc. Previously he served as chief operating officer of regulated operations for the Company, one of the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utilities. In his former role, Chris was responsible for the Company’s regulated operations, including customer operations throughout the company’s entire service area, which includes approximately 3 million people in eight states. A 27 year veteran of the Company, Chris has held executive roles in public affairs, customer operations and more recently as regional president of the company’s southern and Midwest operations. While holding that post, he 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 responsible for the Company's federal, state and municipal legislative affairs, investor relations and communications. Since joining the Company in 1992 as director, corporate and public affairs, Chris headed several successful projects, including rebranding the company and the passage of legislation designed to provide state-regulated water utility customers with improved water quality while allowing a fair and reasonable return for shareholders. Chris is a strategic leader focused on the best interest of employees, customers, shareholders and the public. He is an expert in enhancing profitability; developing strategic growth initiatives; and strategically spending capital and operating budgets while implementing controls to ensure expense discipline and environmental compliance. Active in the utility industry, Chris serves as a director on the board of NAWC. Until recently sold to Fortis, Chris served on the board of directors of ITC Inc. He chaired the board committee on operations and served on the board audit committee.