Robert F. Powelson
Robert F. Powelson serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Chairman Powelson was first nominated to the PUC on June 19, 2008, by Governor Edward G. Rendell to fill the remainder of an unexpired term. The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Chairman Powelson to serve as Commissioner on June 30, 2008. Commissioner Powelson was renominated by Governor Rendell for a full five-year term on February 12, 2009, and once again unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate on April 22, 2009.
On February 24, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett appointed Powelson Chairman of the PUC. Chairman Powelson’s term expires on April 1, 2014.
On March 8, 2011, Governor Corbett invited Chairman Powelson to serve as a member of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission. The Commission reviewed the Commonwealth’s existing statutes, regulations and policies and provided recommendations to ensure that Pennsylvania maximizes the opportunity that Marcellus Shale presents in the most responsible manner possible.
Chairman Powelson was appointed to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Board of Directors on March 16, 2011. In addition, Chairman Powelson is Co-Vice Chair of NARUC’ s Committee on Water. Chairman Powelson has been appointed to represent the Water Committee on NARUC’s Task Force on Climate Policy. He is also a member of the NARUC Committee on Critical Infrastructure and a member of the NARUC Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues-Waste Disposal.
Under Chairman Powelson's leadership, Pennsylvania ratepayers have had an active voice on issues such as nuclear power production, renewable investment, broadband deployment, infrastructure development, unaccounted-for water, and reliable electric service at rates that have been capped for 12 plus years. In a relatively short period, Chairman Powelson has been a leading voice on competitive markets and a staunch advocate for the nuclear power industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Previously, Chairman Powelson served as the President of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, a 1,600- member business organization that he joined in 1994. During his tenure as President and CEO, the Accrediting Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Chester County Chamber a Three Star Accreditation standard of excellence. In 2005, he was selected by the Eisenhower Presidential Fellows to be a U.S. fellow in Singapore and Australia.
Prior to joining the Chester County Chamber, Chairman Powelson was the Director of Government Relations for the Delaware County Chamber, where he helped to develop the county’s economic development strategy. From 1990-91, Powelson served as a Staff Assistant to Congressman Curt Weldon.
Chairman Powelson holds a Bachelor of Administration degree from St. Joseph’s University and a Master of Governmental Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in public finance.
A native of Delaware County, Chairman Powelson and his wife, Lauren, and sons Ryan and Shane, reside in Kennett Square.
Message from the Governor
The Forum was established at the late Dick Thornburgh’s Law School alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh. In connection with the Dick Thornburgh Papers held by the University's Hillman Library, the Forum reflects his experiences in public life. It is in intended to foster discourse on issues vital to the preservation of our democratic system and the Rule of Law upon which that system depends.
Special thanks are due to Chancellor Emeritus Mark Nordenberg who serves as the Director of the Dick Thornburgh Forum and has been unstinting in support of this effort since its inception. In addition, many others have provided time, resources and dedication to this undertaking.
