CHERRY HILL, N.J., April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- American Water (NYSE: AWK) engineer Lindsey Olson was appointed to a one-year term as chair of the American Water Works Association's New Jersey section (AWWA NJ) at the organization's 74th annual conference on April 3 in Atlantic City.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090406/PH95009 )

Olson has been on the AWWA NJ board of trustees for three years, with a commitment to serve the organization for five years. After completing her term as chair, she will fulfill her last year of service as past chair.

As chair, Olson will supervise AWWA NJ's business and activities, preside at board meetings, represent the section at various meeting and public events, appointment members to the organization's committees, and lead the 2010 Annual Meeting.

"It's an honor to be named chair of AWWA NJ, which has been so proactive in advancing the reliability of safe drinking water," said Olson. "As chair, I will focus on increasing the activity of the New Jersey section, helping our members make greater connections with water industry professionals and develop those relationships to strengthen the water industry as a whole."

New Jersey 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 2.5 million 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 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada.

SOURCE New Jersey American Water