Iowa American Water Welcomes Jacqueline Kleppe as New Communications Manager
Iowa American Water Names New Manager for External Communications
Iowa American Water has officially announced the appointment of Jacqueline Kleppe as its new Manager of External Communications. As of June 4, 2026, Kleppe will take over her role under the guidance of Brad Nielsen, President of Iowa American Water. She steps into the position following the retirement of Lisa Reisen, who dedicated over four decades to the company.
Jacqueline Kleppe comes to Iowa American Water after serving as the Director of Outreach and Engagement at the University of Iowa Health Care. In her previous role, she was instrumental in enhancing the hospital's regional visibility and led numerous statewide initiatives aimed at promoting STEM education and workforce development. Her ability to forge valuable connections with businesses, non-profits, and stakeholders has reinforced healthcare access and education within the community, making her well-suited for her new position.
In her new role, Kleppe will spearhead communication strategies aimed at educating Iowa American Water's customers about the services they offer. Brad Nielsen expressed his enthusiasm for Kleppe's extensive background in external affairs and community outreach, noting her impressive track record in relationship building. "Jackie brings a wealth of valuable experience to her new position, and we are excited to advance our goal of better engaging with our customers and stakeholders," Nielsen said.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kleppe has made a significant impact in the community through various advisory and board positions. She has been involved with organizations such as the United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties, the Iowa Sports Foundation, and the Iowa Children’s Museum. Additionally, her role on the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Board illustrates her commitment to improving access to education and workforce development in Iowa.
Jacqueline Kleppe holds a master's degree in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose University and a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications from the University of Iowa. Her academic credentials complement her professional experience, positioning her to effectively lead the communications efforts at Iowa American Water.
Iowa American Water is a subsidiary of American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water currently provides safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater services to around 14 million people across 14 states and military installations. In Iowa specifically, Iowa American Water serves approximately 225,000 residents with the support of around 85 dedicated employees.
As Iowa American Water continues its mission to ensure the provision of clean, reliable water, Kleppe's leadership in communications will be vital in connecting with and educating customers. The community can look forward to enhanced outreach efforts and a deeper understanding of the services available to them under her guidance.
For those interested in following Iowa American Water's updates, additional information can be found on their official website at iowaamwater.com or through their channels on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.