American States Water Appoints New CEO
Robert J. Sprowls, chief financial officer, executive vice president-finance, corporate secretary and treasurer of American States Water Co., will become chief executive officer and president of the company on Jan. 1, 2009.
Sprowls will succeed Floyd E. Wicks, who will be retiring after 21 years with the company and 40 years in the water industry. He will continue as a director of the company and has been named vice chair of the Board of Directors effective Jan. 1, 2009.
"I am honored and excited to be selected by the Board to lead this strong company and excellent management team and our dedicated employees located from California to the Carolinas," Sprowls said.
Sprowls has served in several positions at the company since 2004. Prior to joining the company, he was president of Central Illinois Light Company from April 2001 to January 2003.
Wicks has been leading the company since its formation as a holding company for Golden State Water Company in 1998.
American States Water Co. is the parent of Golden State Water Company, American States Utility Services, Inc. and Chaparral City Water Company. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides water service to 1 out of 30 Californians located within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California (approximately 254,000 customers) and to approximately 13,000 customers in the city of Fountain Hills, Ariz., and a small portion of Scottsdale, Ariz. The Company also distributes electricity to approximately 23,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California. Through its non-regulated subsidiary, American States Utility Services, the Company contracts with municipalities, the U.S. government and private entities to provide various services, including water marketing and operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.