Essential Utilities Inc. Announces New General Counsel for Peoples

BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) announced today the appointment of Mike Turzai as general counsel for Peoples. Peoples, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is the natural gas division of Essential Utilities.

Turzai spent 10 terms serving the 28^th Legislative District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, including his most recent three terms as Speaker of the House. Throughout his career, Mike has focused on creating jobs across Pennsylvania industries. Families, education and benefits for workers have been ongoing priorities throughout his service to the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“Throughout his career in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Mike built a reputation for putting people first – family, constituents, fellow legislators and the general public. Mike cares about people,” said Essential Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin. “As general counsel for Peoples, he will be one of the key leaders of our natural gas business that plays a critical role in the everyday lives of families and individuals in more than 760,000 homes and businesses. Caring for those families and individuals we serve and the more than 1,500 Peoples employees that ensure the safe and reliable delivery of our natural gas, will be the cornerstones of his leadership. I’m excited for him to join the team and use his expertise as a key member of the Peoples leadership team.”

Turzai will report to Christopher Luning, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Essential Utilities.

“I look forward to working with Mike in his role as general counsel for Peoples. The 28^th Legislative District is located in the heart of western Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry. Mike is well aware of the opportunities and challenges of this growing industry. His background and expertise will benefit our customers and the communities we serve,” said Luning.

Turzai also expressed excitement for this next step in his career.

“Peoples has been providing natural gas service to families in western Pennsylvania for more than 130 years. As a native of western Pennsylvania, I am familiar with the company, the dedication of its employees and its commitment to our region. I am honored to join the Peoples team and help continue the company’s legacy as a strong local employer, community partner and driver of economic development,” said Turzai.

Turzai was born and raised in southwestern Pennsylvania and currently resides in Allegheny County with his wife, Lidia and their three sons, Andrew, Stephen and Matthew. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. In 1987, he earned a Juris Doctor from Duke University.

About Essential

Essential is one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5 million people across 10 states under the Aqua and Peoples brands. Essential is committed to excellence in proactive infrastructure investment, regulatory expertise, operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. The company recognizes the importance water and natural gas play in everyday life and is proud to deliver safe, reliable services that contribute to the quality of life in the communities it serves. For more information, visit http://www.essential.co.

 

WTRG (General)