Nadine Leslie is the new president & CEO of Middlesex Water Co. beginning March 1, 2024. She was profiled in the third quarter NJUA member newsletter.
Please tell us about your position.
I was appointed President and CEO of Middlesex Water, a publicly-traded, investor-owned water and wastewater utility company, effective March 1, 2024. Middlesex Water, established in 1897, is one of eight remaining U.S. based publicly traded water utilities in the country. I had previously served as Chief Executive Officer of SUEZ North America from 2019 to 2022. I have more than 25 years of domestic and international experience in the water industry.
How did you get into this field?
My introduction to the water industry came with an early career opportunity at Elizabethtown Water (now part of NJ American) where I discovered the importance and complexity of providing water services to communities. It was an amazing first experience that included being involved with infrastructure planning, water quality, regulatory compliance and community involvement. This first job served as a stepping stone to leadership roles of increased responsibilities. I loved the entire experience. It fostered my passion for protecting the environment and responsibly managing our essential resources.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
In my 25 years in operations, management, compliance, client relations and due diligence, I am most proud of achieving health and safety improvements around the globe with the SUEZ Group. I was responsible for directing and providing Health & Safety oversight to all SUEZ Business Units throughout the world, leading and implementing behavior-based safety practices, auditing Health and Safety procedures, implementing compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements, and monitoring the effectiveness of safety control measures.
What drew you to working at Middlesex Water Company?
I was attracted by Middlesex’s strong collaborative culture, its outstanding reputation and the values demonstrated by its employees. This was an opportunity for me to further build upon a rock solid foundation and have a positive impact in the communities we serve.
What are you most looking forward to as the year comes to a close?
I look forward to working closely with the board of directors and our incredibly dedicated and talented employees to finalize our forward-looking strategy and positioning MWC to meet the demands of the future while bringing value to our stakeholders and the communities we serve.
How do you relax?
I enjoy swimming, meditation, nature walks with family and friends, reading and classical music.
Who is your favorite performer?
George Benson, who is a guitar prodigy and is one of the country's finest musicians.
Where can you be found on social media?
Yes, on LinkedIn.
