Iowa American Water Welcomes Ben Keith as New Director of Business Development and Government Affairs

Iowa American Water Welcomes Ben Keith

On January 28, 2026, Iowa American Water made an important announcement regarding its leadership structure. The company has appointed Ben Keith as the new Director of Business Development and Government Affairs, a role that will see him focus on legislative initiatives and public policy changes. His appointment is effective as of January 20, 2026.

Ben Keith steps into this role with a rich background in various aspects of the regulated utility sector, having served in multiple leadership positions throughout his career. Prior to joining Iowa American Water, Ben was the Vice President of Electric Transmission at MidAmerican Energy Company. His tenure there, which began in 2009, was marked by a series of progressive roles, each enhancing his expertise in operational excellence, engineering, capital planning, project management, and customer engagement.

Brad Nielsen, the President of Iowa American Water, expressed enthusiasm about Ben's appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to have Ben take on this new role at Iowa American Water. He possesses a wealth of experience that perfectly aligns with the demands of our company and the energy sector more broadly."

In his new position, Ben will not only steer business development strategies for Iowa American Water but also enhance the company’s engagement with external stakeholders. His focus on these areas is expected to generate improvements in the company’s strategic direction and stakeholder interaction, crucial elements in the utility sector where regulations and public policy play significant roles.

Ben’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and he is recognized as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) by the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. This academic foundation, in conjunction with his extensive work experience, equips Ben to deal with the complicated landscape of utility management, making him a valuable asset to Iowa American Water.

American Water, the parent organization, is recognized as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, boasting a legacy that dates back to 1886. Servicing over 14 million people, the company has established itself as a reliable provider, offering services in 14 states and on 18 military installations. The workforce at American Water, approximately 6,700 strong, is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction and operational excellence every day.

Iowa American Water, as a subsidiary, caters to about 227,000 residents in Iowa. The company is committed to delivering safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to all its customers.

Ben’s background and experience make for an optimistically promising future for Iowa American Water. His role will undoubtedly be significant in shaping the company’s approach to business development and in navigating the intricate relationship between public policy and utility management. As he embarks on this new journey, the expectations are high for not only the success of various company initiatives but also for the enhancement of customer satisfaction across the board.

For more information on Iowa American Water and its services, visit iowaamwater.com or follow them on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.