The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, a leading voice for Pennsylvania’s environment for nearly four decades, this week announced the selection of Brian J. Hill as the organization’s new President and CEO.

Paul King, QEP, Chair of the group’s Board of Directors, stated that “Brian is clearly the right person to lead this organization as we step up the pace of environmental advocacy in Pennsylvania. Brian knows the organization and he knows Pennsylvania. We believe that this knowledge is essential for our new CEO to be successful.”

In response to his appointment, Hill stated that, “The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is the premier environmental group in the state. No other organization can match our geographic coverage or organizational capabilities to identify conservation opportunities and implement solutions on a regional and statewide basis. We are blessed with an outstanding staff and a top notch board of directors. I am honored and delighted that our Board has tapped me to lead this organization.”

Hill added, “I intend to build on the good work of our previous Presidents and directors. Throughout the Commonwealth, we will continue to accomplish our goals through partnerships with individuals, businesses, and local, regional and statewide groups that share our commitment to resource protection. Conservation through cooperation remains a driving force for the Council.”

In speaking of the board’s reasons for choosing Hill, King stated that “Brian has worked in this state and in this field for close to twenty years, dedicating his career to furthering the environment, sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.”

He also focused on Hill’s experience as an advocate and fundraiser, his commitment to the Council, and knowledge of Pennsylvania’s resources as key reasons for his selection.

Hill’s resume includes non-profit and government experience. In 2004 and 2005, Hill served as an executive senior policy adviser to Governor Ed Rendell on environmental and transportation issues.

He has also served as PEC's Vice President for Watersheds, Director of the award winning French Creek Project in northwestern Pennsylvania, Director of the Council’s Western Pennsylvania Office in Pittsburgh, and Director of Research and Education for the Council in Philadelphia.

Hill has an extensive background in public policy, interacting with the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation, the General Assembly, and Republican and Democratic Administrations.

Hill also served on Meadville City Council for over six years, where he was particularly interested in downtown revitalization and economic development issues.

The Council’s Board of Directors worked with Dewey & Kaye, a Pittsburgh based firm, to conduct a nation-wide search for a CEO.

Over forty qualified individuals from across the country applied for the position which opened when Andrew McElwaine, a highly regarded environmental leader, took a position with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

McElwaine noted that Hill “is extremely qualified to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources. He knows the state and its people, he’s respected in the Capitol, and he has vast knowledge of the state’s lands and waters.”

Joanne Denworth, former PEC President & CEO and senior policy manager in Governor Rendell’s office praised Hill’s appointment. “Brian was the first person I hired when I was President of PEC, and he remains high on my list of as one of the best persons I have ever worked with.”

King affirmed this sentiment and added, “In the past year the board of directors has reaffirmed its commitment to our advocacy and project work. Now we are prepared to take this work to a whole new level and share this message with a whole new group of individual and business supporters who will make our work possible.”

Throughout the upcoming fiscal year, the Council will host a series of regional events for friends of the organization to gather and hear about future initiatives and endeavors.

For more information, visit the PA Environmental Council website. Most recent newsletter.

4/21/2006