New Jersey American Water Expands Government Affairs Leadership

DeAndrea joins the company with two decades of experience in public policy, most recently serving as senior director of government and community affairs for Comcast in New Jersey. His career, which began as a district representative for U.S. Rep. Robert E. Andrews, includes extensive work with business organizations and regulatory bodies. A graduate of Rutgers University, DeAndrea brings a deep understanding of the local political landscape to his new role overseeing the utility's statewide advocacy strategy.

Sakeema M. James, who has been with the firm since 2020, will shift her focus toward central and northern New Jersey in her new capacity as senior manager. Prior to her time at the utility, James held high-level roles in the state legislature, including serving as chief of staff to the Senate President Pro Tempore. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, she remains active in community leadership, holding board positions with the Urban League of Hudson County and PAM's List, and previously teaching public administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University.