American Water Names Valoria Armstrong Vice President, External Affairs and Chief Inclusion Officer
American Water Works Company (NYSE: AWK) has promoted Valoria Armstrong to vice president, External Affairs and Chief Inclusion Officer. Her role focuses on enhancing diversity and inclusion within the organization and engaging external stakeholders. Armstrong, who joined the company in 2011, previously led the Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Council. Additionally, Nicole Boyd has been named director of Inclusion & Diversity. With over 6,800 employees, American Water serves 15 million customers across 46 states, emphasizing its commitment to safe and reliable water services.
- Promotion of Valoria Armstrong to vice president, enhancing diversity and inclusion strategy.
- Nicole Boyd appointed director of Inclusion & Diversity, supporting company values.
- None.
CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, today announced it has promoted Valoria Armstrong to vice president, External Affairs and Chief Inclusion Officer reporting to both Melanie Kennedy, senior vice president, Human Resources and Maureen Duffy, senior vice president, Communications and External Affairs.
Armstrong will strengthen the company’s commitment to inclusion & diversity by creating a comprehensive and integrated strategy to drive diversity, equity, mutual respect, and inclusiveness across the organization. She will also engage with key external stakeholders like the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and serving on the board of directors of the National Utilities Diversity Council, among others, to elevate awareness of our culture and values.
“Val is a fantastic leader and dedicated advocate and supporter of a respectful and inclusive culture at American Water,” said Walter Lynch, president and chief executive officer. “Creating an environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work is essential for the emotional safety of our employees and makes us more successful in providing the best possible service to the diverse communities we serve.”
Since joining American Water in 2011, Armstrong has been instrumental in guiding our Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Council since inception in 2017. She has also served the company as president of Tennessee American Water and as a director in Human Resources. Armstrong began her career at Food Lion and held several key positions, including diversity manager, during her 15-year tenure there.
“Val started her career in Human Resources, served as a state president and most recently has worked to connect with our external stakeholders,” said Kennedy. “She knows the value of connecting with our employees, our customers and our communities, which makes her a perfect fit for this role.”
She was also the first woman and youngest president elected to lead the Chattanooga, Hamilton County Branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) from 2005 to 2012 and currently serves as the first African American female chair of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce.
Armstrong has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University and a master's degree in Human Resources Development from Villanova University.
The company also announced today Nicole Boyd has been named director, Inclusion & Diversity, reporting to Armstrong. Boyd will be a dedicated resource to drive a culture that recognizes and maximizes American Water’s different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. She will partner on our overall strategic inclusion and diversity plan and support the Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Council. She will lead our employee business resource groups and create initiatives that deliver on our vision to be an organization that values and respects our differences.
Boyd has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Marian University in Indianapolis, Ind.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
