Aquarion Water Company Announces Leadership Changes

Aquarion Water: Aquarion Water Company & parent company Eversource Energy today announced that Charles V. (“Chuck”) Firlotte will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aquarion on December 31, 2019. Don Morrissey, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, will succeed Firlotte as President.

Chuck Firlotte’s decision to retire brings to a close a remarkable career spanning 32 years of service with the company, including four years in England with Aquarion’s former parent company, The Kelda Group. He has been President and CEO of Aquarion for the past 16 years.

Under Chuck Firlotte’s leadership, the management team and employees have delivered a consistent track record of strong performance for customers and shareholders. His leadership to drive continuous improvement initiatives has fueled Aquarion’s performance resulting in Aquarion consistently leading all other utilities in service delivery in the State of Connecticut, and the company has earned successive awards from Hearst Media “Best Places to Work” category.

“Chuck’s commitment to excellence, his high energy execution and his inspirational leadership have been a significant factor in his success,” said Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Jim Judge.

“The opportunity to serve our customers in three states in the northeast and to work with an incredibly dedicated group of Aquarion employees has been a unique honor,” Firlotte added. “I also have every confidence that Aquarion, its customers and employees, will be in great hands with Don Morrissey at the helm. Don is exceptionally qualified and impressively talented.”

Chuck presently serves on the Board of NB Power, an electric utility in eastern Canada, and is vice chair of the Sacred Heart University Board of Trustees, and also serves on the executive committee of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council.

Don Morrissey has been Executive Vice President and CFO of Aquarion since 2012. Throughout his 25-year career with the company, Don has had extensive leadership responsibility throughout finance, accounting, mergers & acquisitions, risk management, treasury and has also served as President of Homeowners Safety Valve Company, Aquarion’s non-regulated business since 2006. Don began his career at Arthur Andersen and is a certified public accountant.

Don earned a master’s degree in business administration from NYU Stern School of Business, an advanced managed degree from Harvard Business School, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut. He currently serves on the boards of the National Association of Water Companies and the Newtown Forest Association.

“Don’s extensive knowledge of our industry, breadth of responsibilities across the organization, and strong leadership skills make him the ideal person to assume the top role at Aquarion going forward,” added Judge.

“I am honored to assume leadership of Aquarion Water Company with an outstanding management team and dedicated employees who are committed to delivering high quality water and service to our customers,” said Morrissey. “I look forward to continuing to grow the business, being good stewards of the environment and developing strong working relationships with our constituents, customers and employees.”

Don lives in Newtown, CT with his wife Betsy. He has four children.