Biography

Craig Blanchette is the president of Aqua Texas, which provides water and wastewater service to more than 180,000 customers in 53 counties across Texas. Aqua Texas is a subsidiary of Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people in 10 states.

In his role, Blanchette leads water and wastewater operations throughout the company’s Texas business, including water resources, safety performance, environmental and regulatory compliance, infrastructure improvement projects and customer growth.

Professional History

Blanchette has more than 22 years of water and wastewater industry management experience, including 14 years with Aqua Illinois. He joined the company in 2008 as vice president and regional manager for the Kankakee/Will division of Aqua Illinois. From there he was named the vice president of operations in 2011 and went on to serve as Aqua Illinois president in 2014.

Prior to Aqua, Blanchette was village administrator, superintendent of public works, and water and sewer operator for the Village of Manteno, IL, where he was responsible for the management and operations of several departments, including public works, parks, water and sewer, general government and building and zoning.

Education & Professional Memberships

Blanchette earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. He is a member of the American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation, past Chairman of the Illinois Section NAWC Chapter, and serves on various local boards and charitable organizations.