Willman’s Career Spans 36 Years in Utility Management, Including 18 Years at Citizens
INDIANAPOLIS – Citizens Energy Group announced today that Jeff Willman has been named Senior Vice President, Operations. Willman’s promotion comes as Senior Vice President & Chief Customer Officer Mike Strohl prepares to retire after more than 26 years with the utility.
Willman’s professional background includes more than 36 years in utility management, of which he has spent 18 years in leadership at Citizens. In his previous role as Vice President Water Operations, Willman led the team of 340+ employees responsible for the daily operation of Citizens water and wastewater utilities.
Willman began his career at Citizens as Director Utility System Management in 2007. He subsequently served as Director of Sales & Marketing; Director Customer Relations & Governmental Affairs; and Executive Director Water & Wastewater before assuming the Vice President Water Operations role in January 2015.
Willman holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from University of Evansville and a Master of Business Administration from Butler University. He is a graduate of the Darden Executive Leadership Program at University of Virginia, the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Program, and the Center for Creative Leadership. He is also a founding member and 10-year chair of the Central Indiana Drinking Water Collaborative and serves as chair of the National Association of Water Companies - Indiana Chapter.
Additionally, Willman is a member of the United Way of Central Indiana’s Tocqueville Society and has served on numerous Indy Chamber committees and the boards of Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, and the Warren Township School Building Corporation.
Citizens President & CEO Jeffrey Harrison said, “I am pleased to have Jeff join the senior leadership team at Citizens Energy Group. The depth and breadth of his utility-management experience cannot be understated, and his commitment to fostering collaboration and prioritizing operational excellence will benefit the entire Trust.”
Prior to joining Citizens, Willman spent 18 years at AES Indiana (formerly Indianapolis Power & Light). He also served as Vice President Business Development for 316 Investment LLC, where he was responsible for the growth of franchise restaurants in Indiana and South Carolina.
About Citizens Energy Group
Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community.
Media Contact Information
Laura O'Brien
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com