Rob Wonderling, President and CEO
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
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 governing board of Select Greater Philadelphia whose vision is to position the region as one of the nation's top business locations. Select is the economic development marketing affiliate of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
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.
Currently, Rob serves on numerous boards and commissions, including the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the World Trade Center of Philadelphia, Mission Kids, and the Pittsburgh Super Computing Advisory Council. He is also Chairman of the PA Parks and Forest Foundation.
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.
Rob lives in Lower Salford Township with his wife Kristen and their sons Sam, Mark, and Ben.
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