The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the leading statewide environmental organization, Friday named Davitt B. Woodwell to the position of president and chief executive officer, succeeding Paul M. King, who is retiring.

Woodwell also becomes a member of PEC’s board of directors.  The transition is effective July 1.

Woodwell assumes his statewide duties after twelve years as the vice president of its Western Pennsylvania office in Pittsburgh. He began his career as a staff attorney at PEC in 1993 and served in several positions during his tenure at PEC. 

He took a leave of absence from PEC during 2000 and 2001 to serve as the first executive director of the Riverlife Task Force which developed a master plan for Pittsburgh's waterfronts and proposed the creation of the new "Three Rivers Park." 

Prior to joining PEC, he was dean of students at Kildonan School in Amenia, New York.

A graduate of both the University of Pittsburgh and its School of Law, Mr. Woodwell is a member of the DCNR Natural Gas Advisory Committee, the DCNR Ecosystem Management Advisory Committee and the Center for Sustainable Shale Development Standards and Evaluation Committee.  He also serves on the board of directors of Aspinwall Riverfront Park and the Steel City Rowing Club.

He is past chairman of the Citizen Advisory Panel to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission and was a member of the boards of directors of the Allegheny Land Trust, the MetEd/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the Regional Trails Corporation, the Steel Industry Heritage Corporation, and Friends of the Riverfront.

Woodwell also served as a member of the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics Shale Gas Roundtable and the Allegheny County Air Pollution Control Advisory Committee. He also participated in the Department of Environmental Protection's regulatory negotiation on the special protection waters program.

Additionally, he served on the Pittsburgh Ozone Stakeholder Working Group and its subsequent negotiations on regulating air pollution and was appointed by Gov. Tom Ridge to serve on the Governor's Commission on Greenways.

He has been an adjunct professor of environmental law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and is a frequent speaker at environmental forums and conferences.

“Davitt Woodwell is one of the most progressive environmental advocates in Pennsylvania,” said PEC board chairman Tony Bartolomeo. “His track record as a champion of the environment, a convener of diverse positions on a wide range of issues, and problem-solver on some of the most difficult environmental challenges facing Pennsylvania make him the right person to lead our organization.

“The future of PEC is being defined by new technologies, a constantly-changing political and regulatory landscape and unprecedented financial challenges that require a unique brand of leadership. We’re confident that Davitt embodies the qualities and skills that will ensure that PEC remains the leading force in environmental advocacy in Pennsylvania for many years to come.”

Woodwell resides with his wife and two children in Indiana Township, Pennsylvania.

3/17/2014