New Jersey American Water has appointed Fred DeAndrea as director of government affairs and promoted Sakeema M. James to senior manager of government affairs, the company said.
DeAndrea will lead the subsidiary's government affairs strategy and support engagement with policymakers and stakeholders across the state. He brings more than 20 years of experience in public policy and external affairs. Previously, he served as senior director of government and community affairs for New Jersey at Comcast, where he led government relations and advocacy efforts statewide. He began his career as a district representative for U.S. Rep. Robert E. Andrews. DeAndrea holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Rutgers University.
James, who has been with the company since 2020, was promoted from her role as manager of government affairs. She will focus on government and stakeholder engagement in central and northern New Jersey. Previously, she led the company’s statewide government affairs strategy and advised leadership on legislative and public policy matters. She serves as chairwoman of the New Jersey American Water Employee Political Action Committee. Before joining the company, James held leadership roles for a Senate president pro tempore, including chief of staff and district office director. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Howard University.
The appointments come as the utility continues to manage regulatory and policy matters in one of its largest service territories. American Water, the parent company listed on the NYSE under ticker AWK, operates regulated water and wastewater services across 14 states. The New Jersey subsidiary serves approximately 3 million people.
