PUC Chairman Holland Honored by Boy Scouts Cradle of Liberty Council

HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Wendell F. Holland recently received the 2007 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award from the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

According to the Council, the award recognizes outstanding service and demonstrated involvement in American civil rights leader Whitney Young's "dream of justice and equality for all: in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for low-income, inner-city and rural youth." Since 1993, the Cradle of Liberty Council has organized this event to recognize key community or business leaders who exemplify in their lives the ideals of the Boy Scout Oath and Law.

Sworn in as a Commissioner in 2003 and appointed Chairman by Gov. Edward G. Rendell in 2004, Holland leads the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, one of the nation’s largest state utility regulatory commissions. His career demonstrates a commitment to public service and the provision of safe, reliable and reasonably priced utility service for all Pennsylvanians. Also, the Chairman has made consumer education a priority.

In January 2007, Chairman Holland was appointed treasurer of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). During his term, Chairman Holland has served as President of regional organizations, including the Mid Atlantic Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Organization of PJM States Inc.

Under his leadership, Pennsylvania has been recognized as the most consumer-friendly state in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Commission has also launched under his leadership investigations into clean energy, identity theft, and methods to protect Pennsylvanians from significant utility price increases similar to those experienced by consumers in neighboring states.

Chairman Holland has served on various corporate and national boards and committees. He is a member of the New York, Florida and Pennsylvania Bars. He attended Fordham University on a basketball scholarship and graduated from Rutgers Law School where he has been recognized as a distinguished alumnus.

Residing in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Chairman Holland is married and has three children.