Welcome New Chamber President & CEO Rob Wonderling

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce its new President and CEO, Rob Wonderling.

Rob Wonderling leads a business advocacy organization of 5,000 member companies that promotes growth and economic development in the 11-county region, advocates for sound public policy, and delivers strong member services and programs.

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.

Mr. Wonderling joined the Chamber as President and CEO in August 2009 with an agenda to advance the region’s businesses, particularly by strengthening the entrepreneurial and tech communities. His goals reflect his lifelong interest in innovation and economic expansion.

Mr. Wonderling brought an impressive record of private-sector executive experience as well as distinguished public service to the Chamber.

Previously, Mr. Wonderling 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.

Mr. Wonderling was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006. He served as Chairman of the Transportation Committee and as a member of several committees where he demonstrated his commitment to promoting economic development and job creation, modernizing infrastructure, maintaining access to high quality health care services, helping young entrepreneurs and families prosper, reducing the tax burden and creating a more livable region.

Mr. Wonderling 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, Mr. Wonderling worked closely with the Chamber from 1984-91 on issues involving the region’s economic and environmental prosperity as a manager and eventual President of the PENJERDEL Council.

Mr. Wonderling 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.

Rob Wonderling lives in Lower Salford Township with his wife Kristin and their sons Sam, Mark, and Ben.