American Water CEO Susan Story's ESG Mission.

• Position: BOARDBOOK

The head of the largest U.S. water utility, and Raymond James' lead director, is focused on environmental, social and governance issues.

Susan Story, the CEO of American Water and a board member for Raymond James and Dominion Energy, doesn't just give environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues lip service.

American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, was named one of the "100 Most Sustainable Companies" by Barron's magazine this year with a 26% drop in greenhouse gas emissions. And under Story's leadership, the company reached gender equity in the boardroom and relocated its headquarters to the waterfront of Camden, N.J., a city trying to revitalize.

An ESG focus, she stresses, is not only good for society but it's also good for the bottom-line.

"It's the best thing long term for our company and for our investors," she explains. "Corporations can have a heart."

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