Camden, N.J. – September 24, 2026 -- New Jersey American Water has appointed Fred DeAndrea as director of Government Affairs and promoted Sakeema M. James to senior manager of Government Affairs, strengthening a team tasked with managing regulatory and legislative relationships as the utility expands infrastructure investment across the state.
DeAndrea joins from Comcast after two decades in New Jersey public policy roles
DeAndrea most recently served as senior director of government and community affairs for New Jersey at Comcast, leading advocacy efforts across the state. He began his career as a district representative for U.S. Rep. Robert E. Andrews and holds a political science degree from Rutgers University. He has served on the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce board and the Southern New Jersey Development Council.
James expands regulatory role after six years with the utility
James has worked at New Jersey American Water since 2020, most recently as manager of Government Affairs, where she helped shape the company's statewide legislative strategy. In her new role as senior manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs, she will focus on stakeholder engagement in central and northern New Jersey. She previously served as chief of staff and district office director for a former Senate President Pro Tempore and holds a Master of Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she also taught as an adjunct professor.
Utility serves 3 million customers as it pursues infrastructure investment
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, serving approximately 3 million people through roughly 875 employees. Kimberly Schalek Downes, vice president of Business Development, Government and External Affairs, said the two appointments bring leadership needed to support the company's work with elected officials, regulators and community stakeholders as it continues infrastructure investment statewide.