New Comms Leader
Iowa American Water Appoints Jacqueline Kleppe to Lead External Communications and Statewide Strategy
Iowa American Water has named Jacqueline Kleppe as its new Manager of External Communications, according to PR Newswire. She replaces Lisa Reisen, who retired after 41 years with the company — one of the longest tenures in Iowa utility history.
Kleppe joins from University of Iowa Health Care, where she served as Director of Outreach and Engagement. She will now lead all statewide communications and external affairs for a utility that serves roughly 225,000 people across nine Iowa communities, PR Newswire reports.
Kleppe Brings Healthcare Outreach Background to Utility Role
At University of Iowa Health Care, Kleppe built a track record in public engagement and community outreach. She also served as President of the University of Iowa Staff Council from 2022 to 2023, according to Street Insider.
Iowa American Water President Brad Nielsen said Kleppe "brings to her new position a wealth of valuable experience and a strong track record of successful external affairs." He added that the company is "excited to have her join our team and further our efforts to educate customers about the services we provide," PR Newswire reported.
Reisen's 41-Year Era Comes to a Close
Lisa Reisen spent four decades as the face of Iowa American Water's public communications. She managed the company's public narrative through major flood events, a headquarters relocation to Davenport, and decades of infrastructure expansion, according to Barchart.
Her retirement marks a major shift for a company known for long-tenured leadership. Kleppe's non-profit ties — including board roles at the United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, Iowa Sports Foundation, and Iowa Children's Museum — are expected to help fill that community gap, PR Newswire notes.
Kleppe Steps In During a High-Stakes Investment Cycle
The timing of this hire is critical. Iowa American Water invested $55 million in infrastructure in 2025 and plans to spend $52 million more in 2026, according to Benzinga. The company also replaced 928 lead service lines in 2025 alone, bringing its total to roughly 1,960 lines replaced.
New rates took effect in August 2025, adding about $8 per month to the average residential bill after the Iowa Utilities Commission approved a $13.6 million annualized revenue increase. Kleppe's first task will be helping customers understand what they are paying for, Benzinga reports.
Lead Pipe Deadlines and State Water Laws Add Pressure
The EPA requires all lead and galvanized service lines to be replaced by 2037. Iowa American Water relies on a "Self-Identify" program, asking residents to submit photos of their pipes to avoid mandatory inspections. Managing that outreach will fall directly to Kleppe's office, according to PR Newswire.
At the state level, new "Farm to Faucet" legislation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds adds another layer of water quality messaging for the company to navigate. Kleppe will need to align Iowa American Water's public communications with those state-level goals while keeping ratepayers on board with ongoing cost increases, Benzinga reports.
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