American Water Honored as a 2024 VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company, announced today that it has earned the 2024 VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer designation provided by the VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes American Water’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.

“It is an honor for American Water to be acknowledged by VETS Indexes for our continued dedication to our veteran workforce,” said Melanie Kennedy, American Water Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. “We value the chance to offer rewarding opportunities for our veterans, active duty, and military spouses and we are grateful to collaborate with many of them to deliver clean, safe, and reliable wastewater services across the nation, including 18 military bases.”

As the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of veteran employers, the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program has set a new standard in veteran employment data. The in-depth survey and recognition program analyze employers’ policies, practices, and outcomes in detail, across the following categories:

• Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring
• Veteran employee development and retention
• Veteran-inclusive policies and culture
• Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves
• Military spouse/family support

“As a U.S. Army Veteran and employee of American Water it is a true testament to the company’s dedication and effort in building a diverse workforce that is military friendly,” said Manuel Cifuentes Jr., Senior Principal Regulatory Analyst, and leader of the American Water military Employee Business Resource Group – Strength Through Service. “Being recognized by VETS Index is proof of the company’s commitment to safety, teamwork, and to seeking out those that had served who share the same values.”

Additionally, American Water earned the 2024 Military Friendly Gold Employer designation for its industry-leading efforts on hiring and supporting our nation’s military veterans.

“The extraordinary efforts of American Water to hire, retain and support veterans and the military-connected community have earned the organization one of our highest awards,” said George Altman, President of VETS Indexes. “Competition for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards was tougher than ever in 2024, as a record number of organizations participated. Even with hundreds of employers in the running, the veterans program at American Water stood out from the rest. Congratulations to American Water on this outstanding achievement!”