BRYN MAWR, PA — Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has announced the appointment of Daniel Ramirez-Cisneros as President of Aqua Texas, marking a strategic leadership transition as the company accelerates its growth and infrastructure modernization efforts across the state.
Ramirez-Cisneros, who previously served as Director of Operations for Aqua Texas, will now oversee all water and wastewater operations statewide. His new role includes guiding substantial capital investment projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing customer service as Aqua Texas navigates a rapidly expanding market.
“Daniel brings the right mix of operational strength, financial fluency, and water-sector insight to lead Aqua Texas forward,” said Colleen Arnold, President of Aqua. “He’s already delivering results on the ground, and with Texas as one of our fastest-growing markets, his leadership will be instrumental in scaling responsibly and advancing critical infrastructure.”
Aqua Texas is preparing to undertake significant capital investments aimed at modernizing and expanding its systems. Key priorities include the implementation of advanced remote monitoring (SCADA), water and wastewater plant upgrades, main replacements, water supply renewal, PFAS mitigation initiatives, and efforts to improve operational efficiency through optimized routing and labor.
Ramirez-Cisneros brings a diverse background to the role. Before joining Aqua Texas, he was Utilities Manager for the Puerto Rico Financial Oversight Board, where he played a central role in shaping a $5 billion recovery plan and overseeing a $1 billion infrastructure budget for the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. His prior experience includes positions with 374Water and the Bank of Montreal. He holds a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.
The leadership change follows the retirement of Craig Blanchette, who concludes a 17-year tenure with Aqua. Blanchette joined Aqua in Illinois in 2008, served as President of Illinois from 2014, and assumed the role of President of Texas in 2022. His leadership focused on enhancing customer experience and addressing Texas’s complex water supply challenges.
“It’s a privilege to lead Aqua Texas at a time when the state is making historic investments in water infrastructure,” said Ramirez-Cisneros. “I’m grateful for Craig’s example and excited to work with our team to modernize systems, strengthen community partnerships, and deliver reliable service for the next generation.”
The appointment aims to strengthen its operational leadership and support sustainable water infrastructure development as Texas experiences ongoing growth and increasing demand for resilient water services.
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