WOD 2014: Suzanne Chiavari, P.E.

Suzanne Chiavari, P.E.
Vice President, Engineering, New Jersey American Water





Suzanne Chiavari is vice president of Engineering for New Jersey American Water, the state’s largest water utility.  In this role, Chiavari and her team are responsible for the planning, design and construction of water/wastewater system improvements.  This work also includes engineering support for near- and long-term system analyses, water resource development, business development, the rate making process and event management. Chiavari also interfaces with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Board of Public Utilities and various local officials and agencies on supply and capacity issues, conservation, business development, and permitting issues.

Chiavari joined American Water in 1990 as an engineer and has held a number of roles with increasing responsibility for both the parent company and New Jersey American Water since that time.  She started her career as a sanitary engineer for the City of Philadelphia Water Department in 1985.  Chiavari also served as an adjunct professor in the Civil/Environmental Engineering Department at Rowan University from 2003 to 2005.

As an advocate for the environment and addressing the issue of the nation’s aging water infrastructure, Chiavari has spoken on both topics before numerous civic organizations, and provided expert industry testimony at governmental hearings.
         
Chiavari holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and an M.S. in environmental engineering from Drexel University.  A registered Professional Engineer in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Chiavari also is a member of the New Jersey Section of the American Water Works Association, and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.  She serves on the board of the NJ Alliance For Action and the South Jersey district board of Junior Achievement NJ.   Chiavari was named a Woman of Distinction by the Philadelphia Business Journal and to Drexel University’s alumni Circle of Distinction in 2012.

To Our Girl Scouts:

One of my favorite quotes is from Ralph Waldo Emerson... "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail".

When I find myself ahead of my time, I am reassured by Mr. Emerson's words. 
When I ask my team to take on new and different challenges, I am reassured by Mr. Emerson's words.
When I look to the future, I understand his wisdom.