Suzanne Chiavari Honored with Prestigious AWWA Award for Excellence in Water Services
In a noteworthy achievement for the water sector, Suzanne Chiavari, the Senior Director of Engineering at American Water, has been honored with the 2026 George Warren Fuller Award by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). This award is one of the industry's highest accolades, recognizing individuals for their remarkable service and leadership in promoting safe and reliable water supply systems. American Water, listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker symbol AWK, is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving around 14 million individuals across 14 states.
Chiavari was unable to receive the award announcement at the AWWA New Jersey Section's annual conference due to her commitments overseas. She was participating in AWWA's inaugural Educational Tour in South Korea, where she shared insights about U.S. water systems at the Water Korea 2026 Conference. She is set to receive the Fuller Award later this year at the AWWA Annual Conference and Expo, joining fellow awardees from across the United States and Canada.
Cheryl Norton, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at American Water, praised Chiavari's accomplishments, stating, "Suzanne's recognition with the George Warren Fuller Award reflects the kind of leadership our industry needs right now—deep technical expertise paired with a shared purpose of safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services." This sentiment highlights Chiavari's significant influence on the industry, reinforcing the necessity for collaboration between leaders as they work towards enhancing and modernizing water systems.
The George Warren Fuller Award commemorates the exceptional contributions of individuals in the water supply field, following in the footsteps of George Warren Fuller, an engineering pioneer who significantly advanced water treatment methods. Chiavari herself commented, “It’s an honor to be recognized by AWWA while also engaging with partners to share knowledge and learn from one another. This experience reflects the power of collaboration in advancing water solutions. The challenges we face are increasingly interconnected, and so are the solutions.”
During the Educational Tour in Korea, Chiavari was part of an elite group of industry experts aimed at fostering international cooperation. The trip included visits to advanced water facilities, showcasing the latest in pipeline infrastructure and technology. It was fully sponsored by AWWA and its Korean partners, marking an important step in strengthening global partnerships.
As the opening speaker at the Korea-U.S. Water Industry Technology session, Chiavari provided valuable insights into the priorities of U.S. water systems, including topics like utility resilience, investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and fostering innovation. Her experience at this prestigious event underscores American Water's commitment to leadership and collaboration within the global water sector.
American Water, with a rich history dating back to 1886, is dedicated to providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services. Employing a talented workforce of roughly 7,000 professionals, the company strives for excellence and impactful outcomes for all its stakeholders. As they celebrate 140 years of service in 2026, American Water continues to emphasize the importance of sustainable solutions and innovative practices in the water industry. For further information, you can visit their official website at amwater.com or connect with American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.