PA Environment Digest

The National Association of Water Companies, Pennsylvania Chapter this week recognized former Public Utility Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli with its James McGirr Kelly Award for Excellence.

The organization honored Ms. Pizzingrilli during its awards luncheon at the NAWC Annual Meeting in the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.

The James McGirr Kelly Award for Excellence is the highest honor bestowed by NAWC. The industry association presents the award each year to a resident of Pennsylvania who most exemplifies dedication to promoting the availability of safe drinking water in the Commonwealth.

“The water industry and consumers owe a debt of thanks to Kim Pizzingrilli for her leadership and hard work over the years, especially in the area of customer education,” said NAWC Chair Kathy L. Pape. “She helped to establish the PUC as a national leader in informing ratepayers about critical utility issues, such as water conservation, infrastructure improvements and low-income assistance programs.”

Initially nominated by Gov. Tom Ridge to fill an unexpired term, Ms. Pizzingrilli was then nominated and unanimously confirmed by the state Senate to two terms as PUC Commissioner under Gov. Mark Schweiker and Gov. Edward G. Rendell before leaving the Commission in February 2010 to join the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. She has more than 28 years experience in state government, including serving as Secretary of the Commonwealth and Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs in the Department of State.

Past award winners include: 2009 Rep. Bud George, 2008 Rick Rogers, U.S. EPA Region 3, 2007 Paul K. Marchetti, 2005 Rep. Carole Rubley, 2004 Terrance J. Fitzpatrick, former Chair PUC, 2003 Fredrick A. Marrocco, DEP 2002 David E. Hess, DEP, 2001 John M. Quain,former Chair PUC, 2000 Sen. Raphael J. Musto, 1999 Walter A. Lyon, 1998 Michael D. Klein, 1997 David A. Long, PhD, 1996 Gov. Tom Ridge, 1995 Sen. David J. Brightbill, 1994 Wendell F. Holland, 1993 William R. Shane, 1992 William R. Lloyd, 1991 Edith D. Stevens, 1990 Dr. Ruth Patrick, 1989 Gov. Robert P. Casey, 1988 Sen. D. Michael Fisher, 1987 George I. Bloom, 1986 Clifford L. Jones, 1985 Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, and in 1984 Gov. Dick Thornburgh.

The NAWC Annual Meeting also featured remarks by Public Utility Commission Chairman James Cawley, PennVest Executive Director Paul Marchetti and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger.

The NAWC Pennsylvania Chapter consists of 10 member companies that provide safe and adequate drinking water service to approximately 3.1 million Pennsylvanians in 485 communities in 38 counties. In addition, three member companies provide wastewater service to approximately 155,000 Pennsylvanians in 24 communities across seven counties.

Share this: