SWWC Southwest Water (MM)

Southwest Water Company (NASDAQ:SWWC) today announced that James E. Mann has joined the company as vice president, controller. Mann, 52, brings to the position more than 20 years of experience in financial management of rapidly growing mid-size and large companies in the service and manufacturing sectors. His specialties include SEC regulatory compliance, and he has experience with Sarbanes-Oxley documentation and reporting. Cheryl L. Clary, Southwest Water chief financial officer, said, "We are very pleased to welcome Jim Mann to our financial management team. His background and knowledge will be of significant value in monitoring and enhancing our internal controls and procedures, and ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting." Mann stated, "I am excited to be joining Southwest Water, and I look forward to helping the company maintain a high level of accounting, internal control and financial reporting quality." Prior to joining Southwest Water, Mann spent 13 years with DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc., most recently as vice president of SEC compliance. In that capacity he was responsible for all external reporting to the SEC, stockholders and lenders as well as compliance with SEC and federal/state income tax regulations. He assisted with the evaluation of acquisition candidates, the integration of acquisitions and the divestiture of three companies. Mann's career also includes financial management positions with Mobile Technology, Inc., Kerr Glass Manufacturing Corporation, Technicolor, Inc., and KPMG. Mann, a certified public accountant, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Southwest Water Company provides a broad range of operation, maintenance and management services, including water production, treatment and distribution; wastewater collection and treatment; customer service; and utility infrastructure construction management. The company owns regulated public utilities and also serves cities, utility districts and private companies under contract. Approximately two million people from coast to coast depend on Southwest Water for high-quality, reliable service. Additional information may be found on the company's Web site: www.swwc.com.