CHERRY HILL, N.J., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Jason Gonzalez, vice president of government affairs at New Jersey American Water, has joined the board of the Educational Foundation of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. As a trustee, Gonzalez will use his expertise to provide guidance to the Foundation as it works with elected officials, the business community and opinion leaders to promote good public policy that meets the state's challenges.

The Foundation began its advocacy work in 2007 by teaming up with 50 mayors to author recommendations to amend the state's school funding formula. This year, the Foundation has focused its efforts on four key issues: school funding, preschool expansion, school construction and school consolidation.

Gonzalez, with more than 10 years experience in federal, state and local government organizations, will help further the Foundation's mission to "conduct, encourage and support educational programs that will serve local government officials and employees."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the New Jersey League of Municipalities and with my new colleagues on the Educational Foundation Board of Trustees," Gonzalez said. "I look forward to assisting our municipal partners in meeting the key challenges that face New Jersey."

Gonzalez joined New Jersey American Water in 2008 and is responsible for providing strategic government affairs counsel to company management. He manages a comprehensive state and local government affairs program to advance and support the company's overall business plan and state-specific objectives.

Prior to joining New Jersey American Water, Gonzalez was special assistant and legislative aide to New Jersey Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. He also served as a constituent relations specialist for the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office in Trenton.

New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE New Jersey American Water