American Water announced Tuesday that Suzanne Chiavari, senior director of engineering, has been named a 2026 recipient of the George Warren Fuller Award.
The award, presented by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), is considered one of the water sector’s most prestigious accolades. It recognizes individuals for their distinguished service, leadership, and significant contributions to the advancement of water works practices.
While the award was announced at the AWWA New Jersey Section’s annual conference, Chiavari was notably absent for a global cause. She is currently representing the U.S. water sector in South Korea as part of the AWWA’s inaugural Educational Tour.
During the Water Korea 2026 Conference, Chiavari served as an opening speaker for the Korea-U.S. Water Industry & Technology session. Her work abroad focuses on:
- Utility Resilience: Strategies for hardening infrastructure against climate change.
- Digital Transformation: Integrating smart technology into aging water systems.
- Infrastructure Reinvestment: Addressing the critical need for modernized pipeline networks.
“Suzanne’s recognition reflects the kind of leadership our industry needs right now—deep technical expertise paired with a shared purpose of safe, clean, reliable, and affordable services,” Cheryl Norton, EVP and chief operating officer of American Water said.
The George Warren Fuller Award is named after the pioneering engineer who revolutionized water treatment in the early 20th century. By receiving this honor, Chiavari joins an elite group of professionals dedicated to the “Fuller legacy” of engineering excellence and public health.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by AWWA while also engaging with partners to share knowledge,” Chiavari said. “The challenges we face are increasingly interconnected, and so are the solutions.”
Headquartered in Camden, American Water plays a pivotal role in New Jersey’s infrastructure. The recognition of a high-level executive like Chiavari underscores the state’s position as a hub for water technology and engineering.
Key facts about the honor:
- The Recipient: Suzanne Chiavari, Senior Director of Engineering at American Water.
- The Award: AWWA George Warren Fuller Award (2026).
- The Ceremony: Chiavari will formally receive the award later this year at the AWWA Annual Conference and Expo, alongside honorees from across North America.
