March 11, 2010 — The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business announced former Pepco Holdings Inc. president, board chair and CEO Dennis R. Wraase has joined the Center for Social Value Creation as its first executive-in-residence. Wraase will support the center's mission to engage students in courses and experiential learning programs, enabling them to become global leaders who understand how to use business as a vehicle for both economic prosperity and transformative social change. The center also supports faculty research in areas related to social responsibility and sustainability.

"Not only does Dennis have great business insight to share with our students, he also has a deep commitment to bettering the environment and the community," said Melissa Carrier, executive director of the Center for Social Value Creation in a statement. "As one of the pioneers of consumer energy conservation in the utility industry, he understands how to couple best business practices with social good, and he will translate this knowledge and experience to help our students go out into the world and become transformative leaders."

Wraase will spend one week per month at the Smith School's Center for Social Value Creation. His role will be split between interacting with students one-on-one and assisting with center fundraising and corporate engagement efforts.

A native of Washington, D.C., Wraase graduated from the University of Maryland with a B. S. in accounting. He also holds a master of science in finance from the George Washington University and is a certified public accountant.

Wraase served as a director of the Edison Electric Institute, Association of Edison Illuminating Companies and the Institute for Electric Efficiency and was past president, Southeastern Electric Exchange. In addition, he served as a director of the National Capital Area Boy Scouts, Federal City Council, Economic Club of Washington, and the Washington Performing Arts Society. He currently serves as the treasurer and director for the University of Maryland Foundation and is vice chairman of the Washington Hospital Center. He also is a trustee for Northeast Utilities located in Hartford, Conn. Wraase is a member of the Financial Executives Institute and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Source: University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business