Susan Abernathy Named Next CFU General Manager

February 15, 2024

The Cedar Falls Utilities Board of Trustees named Susan Abernathy the next General Manager of CFU at their February meeting.

Susan currently serves as the Director of Employee and Legal Services and has been at CFU for ten years. 

Previously, she worked as the City Attorney for the City of Cedar Falls and in private law practice. 

The Board of Trustees conducted a national search to fill the General Manager post. 

“We had many outstanding candidates who applied for the General Manager position,” says Richard McAlister, CFU Board of Trustees Chair. “We are thrilled to have someone of Susan’s caliber lead Cedar Falls Utilities.”

“Susan is highly qualified for the position and a tremendous leader. Her abilities and experience make her the best candidate to help Cedar Falls Utilities continue to provide excellent service and value to our customers.”

Susan replaces Steve Bernard who is retiring this year after seven years of service as General Manager. Susan will serve in an Assistant General Manager role until Steve’s retirement later this spring.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next General Manager at Cedar Falls Utilities," says Susan. 

"I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been achieved through years of great decision making by my predecessors and guiding CFU into the future.