
General Counsel & Vice President, State Regulatory Affairs
April Ballou brings to NAWC deep experience in utility regulation, previously serving as a legal advisor to NAWC CEO and President Robert Powelson while he was a Commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Ballou began her legal career as an Attorney-Advisor in the Energy Markets Division of FERC’s Office of the General Counsel.
In addition to her experience at the federal level, Ballou possesses extensive knowledge of state utility issues from her time at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PAPUC) where she worked on a variety of regulatory matters under then-Chairman Powelson’s leadership. Ballou co-authored a number of National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Water Committee resolutions and was involved in the implementation of Act 11 of 2012, which among other things, permitted combined revenue requirements for water and wastewater utilities.
Ballou has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and a law degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law.

Colleen Christy
Chief of Staff
Colleen has spent her career in politics and non-profit fundraising. She served as Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Pat Toomey’s Deputy Finance Director during his 2016 re-election campaign. She assisted in raising over $32 million for the campaign, and $2 million for a joint victory account with PA state Republican party and National Republic Senatorial Committee. At the time, this set a new record for U.S. Senate campaigns nationwide, and a statewide fundraising in Pennsylvania. Colleen most recently was the Finance Director for the McSwain for Governor campaign in Pennsylvania. This campaign again set fundraising records, amassing an over $9 million war chest. She has advised numerous elected officials and candidates seeking office. She is excited to join the team at NAWC and support the organization and its member companies.
Christine Costello

Sara DeLeon


Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Strategy & External Affairs
Rikardo Hull brings extensive knowledge of the intersection of utilities and public policy as well as the inner workings of a national trade association. He carries a wealth of legislative and legal experience to the role and has been instrumental in helping the organization embark on an aggressive state and federal legislative strategy.
Hull joined NAWC in 2018 as the Executive Vice President of Strategy & External Affairs. He previously served as an advisor to FERC Commissioner Rob Powelson where he provided legal, policy and strategic guidance on issues related to the Commission’s oversight of wholesale energy markets, natural gas pipeline siting and oil pipeline rates. Prior to that, he served as Chief Counsel to Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman.
Hull spent nearly a decade at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), serving in the Commission’s Law Bureau before being hired by then-Commissioner Powelson, appointed in June 2008, as his lead counsel. Mr. Hull advised Powelson on all major legal and policy issues before the Commission, notably during his tenure as Chairman from 2011 to 2015. Mr. Hull played a key role in helping to develop Pennsylvania’s markedly successful water regulatory climate. Hull began his career working for a law firm specializing in utility and environmental law.
Mr. Hull earned his bachelor’s degree at Millersville University of Pennsylvania before graduating as valedictorian from Widener University School of Law.
Jenn Kocher
