Employee-Owned and Operated, Providing Innovative Water Solutions to Clients Nationwide

Employs
1
Professionals
Manages
1 +
Fleet Utility Vehicles & Equipment
Operates
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Water & Wastewater Plants Nationwide
Serves
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End Customers

Our History

Founded in 2003 by President and CEO Gary Deremer, U.S. Water began as a small water and wastewater operations company serving Florida utilities from its headquarters in New Port Richey. Over the following years, the company steadily expanded its workforce, capabilities, and geographic reach. In 2022, an acquisition established our Industrial Group, expanding our capabilities and and presence in the private sector.

Today, U.S. Water is an employee-owned company with more than 1,000 employees across 15 office locations, delivering services in 22 states. Throughout our growth, we have remained focused on reliable operations and maintenance, regulatory compliance, employee safety, and practical, innovative solutions to operational challenges.

Where We Are Located

Florida

Corporate Headquarters

 4939 Cross Bayou Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL 34652

(727) 848-8292

Pennsylvania

Industrial Group Headquarters

2588 Industry Lane
Norristown, PA 19403

(866) 753-8292

Iowa

Regional Headquarters

1406 Central Ave.
Fort Dodge, IA 50501

(888) 348-0110

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What Sets Us Apart

Ideal Size Company

Large enough to provide comprehensive expertise and resources; small enough to offer direct leadership involvement and responsive service.

Employee-Owned

Our employee owners bring personal accountability and a long-term commitment to client success.

Flexible Contracting

A range of contracting and service delivery options allows us to tailor solutions to best suit each client’s needs.

Acess to Leadership

Clients have a direct line to company leadership for immediate decisions and responsive support.

Proven Compliance Record

Our strong environmental and contractual compliance record reflects a consistent commitment to meeting client and regulatory requirements (>99.9% compliant with all KPIs).

Proprietary Data-Driven Solutions

Our Process Control & Monitoring (PC&M®) system turns operating data into actionable insights that improve treatment performance and asset reliability

Industry-Experienced Management Team

Our industry veterans anticipate challenges and provide practical guidance to keep client operations running reliably

Community Engagement

At U.S. Water, we take pride in our role as a dedicated community partner. We believe that our success is intertwined with the well-being and prosperity of the communities we serve. We support local initiatives, charities, and causes that align with our values. Our dedication extends beyond business transactions; it’s about shared values, shared progress, and a shared future. We are not just present in these communities; we are an active and engaged member, working collaboratively to create a better tomorrow for all.

Meet the Team

Gary Deremer

President & CEO

As Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Gary leads U.S. Water’s business operations, strategic direction, public relations, and long-term growth and sustainability. He brings more than 30 years of experience across all phases of water and wastewater treatment and management. His expertise spans system startups, municipal and private utility management, professional consulting, rate cases, capital improvement planning, technical diagnostics, treatment process operations, and construction.

Ed Mitchell

Senior Vice President & General Manager

As Senior Vice President and General Manager, Ed oversees financial performance, operational efficiency, organizational development, and client relationships. He joined U.S. Water in 2013 with 30 years of municipal experience, bringing extensive administrative and leadership expertise to the company. Ed holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Service from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and a Master of Public Administration from Suffolk University’s School of Management in Boston. He has completed the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Program and is an ICMA Credentialed Manager.

Kaycee Rupe

Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer, Kaycee leads U.S. Water’s financial operations, including accounting and controls, financial planning and analysis, asset-liability management, treasury, internal audit, and tax. She also oversees the company’s investment portfolios and manages financial transitions associated with mergers and acquisitions. Kaycee joined U.S. Water in 2018 with more than 10 years of construction industry experience. She leads a team of 30 accounting and finance professionals, overseeing transaction processing and cost management. Kaycee holds a Master of Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Saint Leo University.

Dan Elias

Senior Vice President, Growth And Acquisitions

As Senior Vice President for Growth and Acquisitions, Dan leads U.S. Water’s growth strategy, including mergers and acquisitions, investment and project financing, and large-scale industrial and public-private partnership (P3) engagements. He brings 35 years of experience as a board member, strategic advisor, and legal counsel to private and public companies in the water sector. Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with honors from Queens College, City University of New York, and a Juris Doctor. He is an AV® rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell.

Ron Benderski

Senior Vice President, Industrial Group

As Senior Vice President of U.S. Water’s Industrial Group, Ron oversees more than 50 operations and maintenance (O&M) project sites and 130 staff members. He brings more than 25 years of experience in project and financial management within the engineering and O&M services industries. Ron leads the project management team, oversees financial performance, and establishes policies and procedures that support efficient, cost-effective service delivery. With a strong focus on client and staff engagement, he works closely with project teams, client representatives, and company leadership to address needs, maintain accountability, and build lasting relationships.

Jeffrey Dupont

Vice President, Business Development, Mid-Central U.S

Jeff brings more than 37 years of progressive experience in water and wastewater operations, including leadership roles across the industry. He provides strategic direction for U.S. Water’s Mid-Central U.S. operations, focusing on operational performance, resource management, regional business development, and public and private utility O&M services. His responsibilities also include supporting bid development, managing operational transitions, and guiding industrial environmental compliance activities.

William "Troy" Rendell

Vice President, Investor-Owned Utilities

As Director of Regulated Utilities, Troy oversees U.S. Water’s private regulated utility business and related contracts, including financial reporting, annual operating budgets, cost reporting, and performance analysis. He also provides leadership across system operations, customer service, billing, field services, and regulatory affairs. Since joining U.S. Water in 2014, Troy has drawn on his experience with both private utilities and regulatory entities to guide financial and operational decisions. His expertise includes rate analysis, rate structures, and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) accounting. Troy holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University.

Chris Saliba

Vice President, Operations and Maintenance

As Vice President of Operations and Maintenance, Chris Saliba oversees more than 1,200 O&M project sites and 300 staff, serving public and private clients across water and wastewater utilities, facilities services, and public works. His career with U.S. Water spans progressively responsible technical and management roles, including senior leader, project manager, and technical advisor. Chris guides operational strategy and growth, evaluates market opportunities, and advances cost management, safety, innovation, and service quality. He also leads the development, implementation, and management of U.S. Water’s Environmental Health and Safety Program. Chris serves on the FlaWARN steering committee and other advisory boards.

Aaron Voss

Vice President, Service Delivery, Mid-Central U.S.

As Vice President of Service Delivery for U.S. Water’s Mid-Central Region, Aaron oversees the regional project portfolio, including financial performance, business development, utility acquisition feasibility studies, client relationships, construction management, and operational strategy. He joined U.S. Water in 2007 with more than 15 years of utility and management experience. His background includes leadership roles with water and wastewater services companies, with expertise in project management, facility startup, budgeting, client development, process optimization, and regulatory coordination. Aaron graduated with honors from Central Community College in Hastings, Nebraska, earning degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology and Network Systems Technology.

Mo Kader, PE

Vice President, Engineering

As Vice President of Engineering, Mo oversees the design, permitting, and management of water and wastewater systems served by U.S. Water. He brings more than 30 years of experience, including prior roles as a project engineer and a Civil/Environmental Engineer with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Since joining U.S. Water in 2003, he has contributed extensive technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to the company’s engineering services. Mo has authored professional publications in Environmental Science and Health and holds master’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Engineering Management from the University of South Florida. A registered Professional Engineer in Florida since 1992, he also holds engineering registrations in Iowa, Indiana, Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma and certification from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Ralph Amiott

Vice President, Maintenance and Construction

As Vice President of Construction and Maintenance Services, Ralph oversees the repair and rehabilitation of water and wastewater utility systems served by U.S. Water, ensuring work meets regulatory requirements and industry construction standards. He brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience in utility construction, operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation. His field teams monitor equipment performance, oversee rehabilitation projects, perform emergency repairs, and provide on-the-job training to develop specialized mechanical skills among staff. Since 1993, Ralph has supervised and managed more than 100 employees across Florida, Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma.

Bryan Cleaver

Vice President of Operations, Industrial Group

As Vice President of Operations for U.S. Water’s Industrial Group, Mr. Cleaver oversees operational performance and regulatory compliance across industrial projects. He brings more than 25 years of experience in landfill operations, leachate systems, wastewater treatment, landfill biogas recovery, construction management, and quality assurance throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New York metropolitan regions. His combined management expertise and hands-on field experience support efficient operations, cost-effective service delivery, and long-term value for clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management from The Pennsylvania State University.

Saila Bradl

Human Resources Director

As Director of Human Resources, Saila leads U.S. Water’s HR team and partners with managers and supervisors to align workforce strategies with the company’s goals. She brings more than 25 years of experience across military, Department of Defense, municipal, private utility, and Fortune 500 organizations, with expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, diversity and inclusion, learning and development, and organizational growth. Her leadership has strengthened U.S. Water’s HR foundation through scalable policies, strategic recruitment, and a culture that supports employee well-being, safety, and professional development. Saila holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a focus on People Management, along with multiple HR credentials, including the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute.

Deanna Katchur

Marketing Director

As Marketing Director, Deanna leads U.S. Water’s marketing and business development efforts, overseeing marketing strategy, brand identity, proposal development, presentations, and external communications. She brings more than 20 years of marketing experience in the engineering and professional services sectors, developing sales and business development strategies to support multimillion-dollar new business opportunities. Deanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration from The Pennsylvania State University.

David Schultz, Jr., PE

Director of Construction

David leads engineering design for U.S. Water’s large-scale design-build projects and supports the company’s utility privatization efforts. Since joining U.S. Water in 2004, he has applied more than 20 years of engineering experience spanning site development, construction project management, design-build delivery, stormwater design, hydrologic studies, and water and wastewater treatment. His expertise also includes construction management and startup oversight for treatment facility expansions and modifications. A registered Professional Engineer in Florida, David holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky.

Chris Gutschow

Director of Business Development, Mid-Central U.S.

As Director of Business Development for U.S. Water’s Mid-Central U.S. region, Chris builds relationships with prospective and existing clients, aligning the company’s services with their operational needs and business goals. He brings 25 years of water and wastewater industry experience and has been with U.S. Water since 2018. His approach centers on understanding each client’s priorities and identifying opportunities to deliver lasting value. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Biology and maintains Nebraska Class I Water and Class II Wastewater licenses.

Lina Quintero, PE

Regional Manager, Regions 3/4/5 – South Florida (East and West Coasts)

As Regional Manager for U.S. Water’s South Florida Regions 3, 4, and 5, Lina oversees more than 75 employees and 80 water and wastewater systems. She brings more than 20 years of experience in bidding, permitting, regulatory compliance, design, and project management across environmental conservation, water resources, and wastewater projects. Lina also supports U.S. Water’s engineering team in the design and permitting of water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. She holds a degree in Civil Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in Florida.

Ken Girkin

IT Manager

Ken is a seasoned IT leader with over 20 years of experience driving technology and process improvements in high-growth environments. With expertise in cloud computing, infrastructure modernization, and IT management, he excels at overseeing complex systems, managing multiple projects, and optimizing performance. A strategic thinker and mentor, Ken has built high-performing teams, led cross-functional collaborations, and implemented technology solutions that drive data-driven decisions. He holds a Bachelor’s in IT Management and a Master’s in Cybersecurity, with a proven track record of reducing costs, streamlining operations, and enhancing IT service delivery.

Hope Smith

Regional Manager, Region 1 – North Florida

As Regional Manager, Hope oversees regulatory compliance, staff performance, and service delivery across her region. She brings 20 years of water and wastewater utility experience in the municipal and private sectors, with expertise in customer service and environmental compliance. Hope began her U.S. Water career in business development and municipal client management, overseeing meter reading, billing, customer service, cashiering, and field services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Southern New Hampshire University, Florida Class B Wastewater and Class C Water Operator licenses, and Georgia Class 2 Wastewater and Class 3 Water Operator licenses.

Eddie Schemenauer

Regional Manager, Region 2 – West Coast Florida

As Regional Manager for U.S. Water’s Florida Region 2, Eddie oversees nearly 130 employees and more than 120 water and wastewater systems. He brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in underground utility maintenance and operations. His responsibilities include budget development, capital planning, performance reporting, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. A United States Army combat veteran, Eddie has more than seven years of leadership experience, with strengths in team management, strategic planning, and operational security in high-pressure environments. He holds multiple certifications in collections, distribution, and operations.

Jeff Hines

Regional Manager, Regions 6 and 7 – Central Florida

As Regional Manager for U.S. Water’s Central Florida Regions 6 and 7, Jeff oversees water and wastewater operations and maintenance while guiding regional business development, revenue growth, and long-term profitability. He brings more than 17 years of progressive leadership experience in municipal and private-sector utilities, including more than a decade managing complete utility systems. His background spans frontline operations through regional leadership, providing a comprehensive understanding of utility performance. Jeff specializes in automation and SCADA, applying technology to improve efficiency, regulatory compliance, system reliability, and customer service. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida and multiple state operator certifications.

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