Natalie Chesko is the President of Aqua New Jersey. She was spotlighted in the fourth quarter edition of the NJUA member newsletter.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a lifelong New Jersey resident, born and raised at the Jersey Shore. I developed a deep appreciation for the beach and the environment, which led me to working in the utilities field after graduating Rutgers with a Bioenvironmental Engineering degree. I have two sons; Evan, 17, and Zachary, 14, and they love the beach just as much as I do!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Forked River and still reside there. It has been a wonderful town to raise my children in.
Any siblings, spouse, children, pets?
I have two sisters. My older sister is a neurologist. My younger sister is a principal at an elementary school. Needless to say, I think my parents must be proud of the three girls they raised.
How did you get into this field?
I have a passion for math, science, and the environment. When I was looking for colleges, I had met with the dean at a university. He was reviewing my paperwork and said, “not only should you be an engineer, you should go into the water and wastewater business. It could really use someone who not only has the brains, but the passion to deliver.” It really resonated with me. From there, I had internships at different treatment plants that really made me feel like this was what I was meant to be doing.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career?
I have shown operational expertise in optimizing treatment processes, safety and security improvements, human resources and people management, budgeting, public relations, capital planning and project execution and utility management. No task was ever too small. I have continued on in my career with that mindset.
What drew you to working at your company?
Aqua has an outstanding reputation and diverse culture. They truly put the customer at the heart of all their initiatives and the ability for me to come in and put my positive influence on the communities we serve was very exciting.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the utilities industry this year?
Forever chemicals are our biggest challenge. Not only does it take planning, designing, and construction to install remediation devices, but it also comes with a regulated time limit in which to do it. Aqua New Jersey has been at the forefront of water quality, continuously investing in the latest technology and infrastructure improvements to benefit our customers and their communities. This past spring, we celebrated the completion of our newest PFAS treatment facility in Lawrence Township. By continuing to invest in infrastructure and testing across our service areas, we are leading the way in ensuring safe, reliable drinking water is available for generations to come.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role with the NJUA?
I am looking forward to bringing my perspective to the NJUA and working with an amazing and diverse group of individuals.
How do you relax?
You will always find me at the beach. Does not matter what time of year. Something about breathing in that salt water air that just melts away any stresses that I may think I have.
If you were only allowed to listen to one singer/band for the rest of your life, who would it be?
This is an impossible question! I love all types of music and am always downloading something new! I would say my favorite genre to listen to for the rest of my life would be Alternative/Indie.
Can you be found on social media?
You can always find me on LinkedIn!
