Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) President and CEO Rob Wonderling will co-chair Governor-elect Tom Wolf’s Department of Community and Economic Development Transition Team. The Allegheny Conference on Community Development President Dennis Yablonsky will serve as co-chair.
The work of the DCED Transition Team will begin immediately to prepare recommendations for the new Governor around economic development.
Rob Wonderling said, “It’s an honor to be asked to serve as co-chair with Dennis Yablonsky to provide input regarding efforts to incentivize businesses to grow in Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with Governor Wolf and his team on these critical economic development issues to ensure we continue to grow jobs and let the nation and world know Pennsylvania is open for business.”
As President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Rob Wonderling leads a business advocacy organization of member companies that promotes growth and economic development in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region.
Rob joined the Chamber in 2009 with an agenda to advance the region’s businesses, particularly by strengthening opportunities for entrepreneurs. His goal reflects his lifelong interest in innovation and economic expansion. He is committed to inclusion and excellence in management of all diverse people irrespective of differences.
He also serves as Chairman of the CEO Council for Growth, the federal advocacy arm of the chamber, comprised of business, higher education, and civic leaders from the tri-state region focused on promoting economic growth and improving the region’s transportation infrastructure, workforce, and culture of entrepreneurship.
Rob brings an impressive record of private-sector executive experience as well as distinguished public service to the Chamber.
Previously, Rob worked for Bentley Systems, Inc., a privately held software firm based in Exton which provides software solutions to engineers and architects on projects ranging from bridges to clean water. Earlier in his career, he worked for Allentown-based Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., in an Air Products division for energy environmental systems that included clean coal and alternative energy products.
From 2002 to 2009, Rob served in the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he first served as Chairman of the Communications and Technology Committee and then as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He also served in the executive branch of state government in the Ridge-Schweiker administration as Deputy Secretary of Transportation, where he was responsible for improving the operation and efficiency of PennDOT’s 5,000-employee highway maintenance workforce.
In addition, Rob worked closely with the Chamber from 1984 – 91 on issues involving the region’s economic and environmental prosperity as President of the PENJERDEL Council.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alleghany College in 1984 and a Master’s degree in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. He attended the program for Senior Executives in State Government at Harvard University in 1997.
Rob serves on numerous boards and commissions. He served on the Philadelphia School Reform Commission Search Committee for a new Superintendent of Schools and as the Chair of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Commission on Postsecondary Education. He also serves on the boards of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the Pennsylvania Convention Center Board Authority, the World Trade Center of Philadelphia, Mission Kids, the Pittsburgh Super Computing Advisory Council, PA Parks and Forest Foundation, and Ursinus College.
In recognition of his community involvement, Rob was awarded the 2011 Service to Humanity Award at the March of Dimes Transportation, Building and Construction luncheon, and received the 2010 Century Club Good Scout Award for his civic and business leadership by the Boy Scouts of America. He was also given the 2011 Penn Foundation for Behavioral Health Citizen of the Year Award and named “State Public Official of the Year” by Pennsylvania Bio in 2009. In 2014, Rob was honored by the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia during their annual Celebration of Hope event for his commitment to helping those in need.
