Arizona American Water Appoints Virginia Korte to Board of Directors

PHOENIX, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona American Water announced this week that Virginia Korte, President and CEO of Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS), has been elected to the Board of Directors of the water and wastewater utility.

Virginia Korte has more than 29 years of extensive executive experience, focusing on business operations, financial oversight, community stewardship, nonprofit management and critical strategic planning processes.  Prior to her current role with STARS, she held leadership roles in the family-owned Ray Korte Chevrolet dealership, including Dealer and General Manager, until it was sold in 1998.

From 1992 to 1998, Ms. Korte served on the Board of Directors for the Central Arizona Water Conservation District. During that time, she was elected by the citizens of Maricopa County to govern the Central Arizona Project. An active participant in many civic community organizations, Ms. Korte is currently a member of the Scottsdale Healthcare Community Stewardship Advisory Council, Scottsdale Leadership and Scottsdale LINKS Advisory Councils. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood Arizona, DC Ranch Community Foundation, and the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. In addition, she is a member of the Northern Arizona University College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Science Leadership Council.

"Virginia Korte is a great leader and has made huge differences in a number of organizations in Arizona," said Paul Townsley, President of Arizona American Water. "We are extremely proud to have her join the Board of Directors of Arizona American Water, and know her strong background and experiences will have a positive impact on our business."

Ms. Korte has been active in the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, including a role as President where she contributed towards increasing membership, community engagement and financial stability. Ms. Korte has also been involved in the Scottsdale and Mesa Community Colleges, serving as Director of the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife at SCC, and teaching general and environmental biology.

"I am pleased to join Ernie Calderon and John Keegan on the Arizona American Water Board of Directors.  This is a great company with whom I am proud to be affiliated," Korte said.  "There is no more important issue to the future of Arizona than water, and Arizona American Water plays a major role in water treatment and distribution, as well as water conservation."

Ms. Korte has received numerous degrees, honors and awards. She received both a bachelor's and master's degree in biology from Northern Arizona University. Most recently, she received the Legacy award from the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, she was a Scottsdale History Hall of Fame inductee, received the 1998 Volunteer of the Year award from the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and received the Frank Hodges Alumni Achievement award in 1995 from Scottsdale Leadership.

Arizona American Water's Board of Directors helps guide the company in fulfilling its mission of providing high quality, reliable water and wastewater service to its customers. Members of the Board foster a culture of strong corporate governance through discussion and the exercise of their independent judgment in the decision-making process. The company greatly values the role and input of the Board of Directors.

Arizona American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 350,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.  With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE Arizona American Water