VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water Works Company Inc. (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, has announced that effective May 9, 2014, Linda G. Sullivan will become its senior vice president and chief financial officer. Sullivan is succeeding Susan Story, who will become American Water's president and chief executive officer at the company's annual meeting scheduled for May 9, 2014.<br /><br />"American Water is very excited and pleased to have someone with Linda's broad and deep utility experience join our company," said Susan Story, senior vice president and CFO of American Water. "She is a knowledgeable professional with 25 years of progressive leadership in a variety of financial and operational roles. Serving as the senior vice president and chief financial officer of Southern California Edison, one of the nation's largest electric utilities and a subsidiary of Edison International, Linda has led all aspects of finance including strategy, planning, treasury, accounting, risk management, and control functions. Having most recently led a successful company-wide program to enhance growth and optimize Southern California Edison's cost structure, her experience directly correlates with American Water's strategic, long-term goals."<br /><br />Sullivan will join American Water on April 28, 2014 and will serve in an interim role to ensure a smooth transition to her new role as CFO as Story moves into her new CEO role. Story is replacing current president and CEO Jeff Sterba, who is retiring from American Water on May 9, 2014.<br /><br />"It's great to have someone with Linda's expertise and team commitment take over for Susan as CFO," said Jeff Sterba, president and CEO of American Water. "Beyond leading all aspects of finance, Linda also brings operational experience, leading supply chain functions, transportation services and facilities management. Like Susan, her commitment to excellent customer service, growth and employee development will help American Water continue the solid financial performance it has delivered and will further enhance our already strong leadership team."<br /><br />Sullivan has been CFO of Southern California Edison since 2009 and took on additional responsibility for operational support activities in 2012. Prior to becoming CFO, Sullivan was vice president and controller of both Edison International and Southern California Edison for five years. In this role, Sullivan led quarterly audit committee responsibilities, directed corporate accounting functions, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) compliance, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets, payroll, tax, financial information systems and external audits.<br /><br />Sullivan was assistant controller of Edison International from 2001 through 2005. Prior to 2001, Sullivan held a variety of lead financial roles at a number of Edison International's competitive businesses, including retail subsidiaries providing home security, energy efficiency, and operations and maintenance services; and a research and development start-up focused on distributed generation, smart grid technologies, solar rooftop installations and electric vehicle charging stations. From 1991 to 1996, Sullivan performed finance and accounting functions at the corporate level and within an operating business unit at the utility.<br /><br />Before starting her career at Edison International, Sullivan was a senior auditor with Arthur Andersen, LLP, for three years.<br /><br />Sullivan is involved in a variety of charitable activities and serves on two boards. She is the chair of the finance committee on the board of Crystal Stairs, Inc., a $90 million non-profit organization assisting working families with child care services in underserved communities of Los Angeles County, and a member of the board of Executive Services Corps, which provides coaching, consulting and capacity building to nonprofits throughout southern California.<br /><br />Sullivan has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1991 (inactive) and a Certified Management Accountant since 1995. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Portland State University.<br /><br />About American Water<br /><br />Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada.