M. Susan Hardwick
Also at American Water Works Company Inc
About
M. Susan Hardwick is a seasoned executive currently aged 62 who has built a formidable reputation in the utility sector through decades of leadership and financial expertise. With a strong foundation in accounting, she earned her degree in Accounting from Indiana University and is a Certified Public Accountant, equipping her with rigorous financial and operational acumen.
Embarking on her career at Arthur Andersen & Co. and later at Cinergy Corp., she advanced to significant roles such as Vice President, Controller, and eventually Senior Executive roles at Vectren Corporation. Her tenure there spanned various high-caliber positions, highlighting her progressive climb through the ranks before the company was sold to CenterPoint Energy, Inc..
At AWK, she joined in 06-2019 as the Executive Vice President–Finance. Her impressive performance led her to hold key positions including CFO, Interim CEO, and later as both President and CEO starting February 2, 2022, with her current role as CEO commencing on 08-01-2024. This progression underscores a robust track record of leadership and adaptability in steering the company through dynamic market conditions.
Beyond her operational roles, she contributes significantly to the governance of the industry by serving on multiple boards, including that of New Jersey Resources Corporation. This blend of personal achievement and collective governance highlights a commitment to both individual excellence and broader industry stewardship.
$AWK Performance Under M. Susan Hardwick
Past Roles
| Organization | Role | Date Range | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Water Works Company, Inc. | Chief Financial Officer | July 1, 2019 - May 16, 2022 | Held before becoming CEO |
| American Water Works Company, Inc. | Interim Chief Executive Officer | December 7, 2021 - January 31, 2022 | Held before becoming CEO |
| American Water Works Company, Inc. | Vice President—Finance | June 2019 - (transition not specified) | Held before becoming CEO |
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | Director of Finance and Accounting Integration | February 2019 - April 2020 | N/A |
| Vectren Corporation | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | January 2000 - February 2019 | Various senior executive positions |
| Vectren Corporation | Senior Vice President, Finance | January 2000 - February 2019 | Various senior executive positions |
| Vectren Corporation | Vice President, Controller and Assistant Treasurer | January 2000 - February 2019 | Various senior executive positions |
| Cinergy Corp. | Assistant Corporate Comptroller | N/A | N/A |
| Arthur Andersen & Co. | Senior Manager | N/A | N/A |
External Roles
| Organization | Role | Date Range | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Resources Corporation | Board of Directors | Since September 2020 | Diversified energy services company |
Fixed Compensation
| Component Name | Amount | Payment Schedule | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | No change to current annual salary; exact amount not disclosed | Annual | Rate remains unchanged for 2024 |
| Benefits | Unchanged | N/A | Benefits and vacation accrual remain as previously elected; no IRS Qualified Life Event |
| Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan | N/A (no fixed amount) | Employer contributions made after the end of the plan year | Employer Matching contributions are immediately vested; Defined Contribution Account contributions vest after 5 years |
Performance Compensation
No information available on performance compensation for 2024