Edward Rendell’s extensive career in public service spans 34 years, including 24 years as an elected official. He served two terms as Governor of Pennsylvania from 2003-2011, overseeing a budget of $28.3 billion as the chief executive of the nation’s 6th-most-populous state. As Governor, he was committed to making government more responsible and responsive to the public’s needs, and he successfully cut wasteful spending and improved efficiency leading to savings of over $1 billion. His legislative agenda focused on commonsense political reform and putting progress ahead of partisanship. Through his unprecedented strategic investments, he energized Pennsylvania’s economy, revitalized communities, improved education, protected the environment, expanded access to health care to all children, and made affordable prescription drugs available to older Pennsylvanians.

Prior to his role as Governor, his served two terms as Mayor of Philadelphia from 1992-2000 -eliminating a crippling deficit, balancing the City’s budget, and generating five consecutive budget surpluses. Philadelphia’s renaissance, which The New York Times called “the most stunning turnaround in recent urban history,” is largely attributed to his determination, inspiration, and energy.

Before serving as Mayor, Rendell was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia for two terms from 1978 through 1985. Rendell also served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee during the 2000 Presidential election. He currently sits on several boards, supports multiple non-profit organizations and teaches government and politics courses at the University of Pennsylvania.

Governor Rendell continues to pursue many of the same issues he was passionate about while serving. He has become a champion for progress in the area of alternative energy, and now serves as a consultant or board member for several green and alternative energy firms, including Own Energy, The Efficiency Network and VNG.co. He has also remained heavily involved in the campaign for government efficiency and strategic cost cutting through his work with entities such as Government Sourcing Solutions and Public Financial Management.

Jim has had a long and distinguished career as a public servant having served constituents and communities in Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Lehigh Counties over a 24-year time period. Among the various legislative committees he served on during this time are the US House Ways and Means Committee, US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, US House Financial Services Committee, PA Senate Local Government Committee, and PA House Judiciary Committee. Additionally, while in Congress, he co-chaired the House Ukraine Caucus and House German- American Caucus.

Through his legislative sponsorship, a number of important bills were enacted into law, including authorizing victim impact testimony by family members of murder victims (1995), comprehensive reform of Pennsylvania’s welfare law (1996), comprehensive reform of PA’s Municipalities Planning Code to address suburban sprawl (2000), VA establishment of a national veterans cemetery in SE PA (2003), establishment of permanent US-Ukraine “favored nation” trade relations (2006), and authorization of economic and defensive military assistance to Ukraine (2014).

In addition to these legislative efforts, Jim was able to secure critical federal funding for numerous initiatives and organizations across Berks County, including transportation projects on Rt 222, Rt 422/662, I-176, and Rt 10; transit center and vehicle funding for BARTA; and programmatic support for Alvernia University, Albright College, the City of Reading, Spring Twp, and the Berks County Community Foundation.

As a result of his public service, Jim has been recognized by a myriad of associations, including the US Chamber of Commerce, PA Chamber of Business and Industry, National Manufacturers Association, National Retail Association, Biotechnology Information Organization (BIO), National Federation of Independent Business, PA Farm Bureau, and the Land Trust Alliance.

Following his 24 years in Harrisburg and Washington DC, Jim served as CEO of two non-profit business associations- the Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) in Washington, and the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) in Berks County, PA.

Melissa Hart’s career in public service includes notable positions in both the Pennsylvania State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Representing the 40th District in the State Senate from 1991 to 2001, she served as Chair of the Finance Committee, as well as Vice Chair of the Public Health and Welfare Committee, Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, and Education Committee.

As a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 4th District from 2001 to 2007, she was part of the Republican Whip Team and served on the Ways and Means Committee, Ethics Committee, Financial Services Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Science Committee, and was also a member of the Steel and Brownfield Caucuses.

A highly accomplished attorney and consultant with extensive experience in law, government relations, and strategic communications, Melissa is currently an attorney and consultant at Hergenroeder Rega Ewing & Kennedy, LLC.

She also serves on the Board of Directors at Enterprise Bank, where she contributes her expertise to the Senior Loan Committee, Compensation Committee, and Audit Committee.

A Democratic leader in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, Keith R. McCall served as the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2009 to 2010, following his tenure as Majority Whip from 2007 to 2009. His legislative career, representing the 122nd Legislative District from 1982 to 2010, includes chairing the House Transportation Committee and the House Consumer Affairs Committee. As a member of the State Transportation Commission (STC), McCall played a critical role in shaping transportation policy and infrastructure development in Pennsylvania.

He also worked as a Field Auditor for the Pennsylvania Office of the Auditor General, gaining valuable insights into state financial operations and accountability, and served as a Commissioner on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, where he contributed to the regulatory oversight of the state’s gaming industry.

With extensive expertise in government relations, community affairs, and regulatory issues, he brings a wealth of experience to his current role as a member of the Blaschak Board of Directors, a position he has held since 2010.