Electric Utility Leader Dennis Wraase Joins U-Md. Center for Social Value Creation as Executive-In-Residence

College Park, Md. – March 10, 2010 — The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business today 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. “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.

The Center for Social Value Creation at the Smith School launched in September 2009 to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience, and encompasses an engaging curriculum, real-world field experience, cutting-edge research, and targeted career planning. Programs include the Social Venture Consulting Program and Global Impact Program study trips, which give students opportunities to engage in real field work by consulting with nonprofits locally or by traveling to developing economies. The Center for Social Value Creation also supports related faculty research, bridging theory with practice by working to infuse social value concepts throughout the coursework for all students.

Wraase is the former chairman of the board for Pepco Holdings Inc. (PHI), a regional energy holding company that provides service to 1.9 million customers. PHI is the parent company of Potomac Electric Power, Delmarva Power, and Atlantic City Electric. After joining Potomac Electric Power Company in 1974, Wraase eventually worked his way upward to chief executive officer in May 2004, when he was also appointed chairman of the board. He served as CEO until February 2009, and concurrently as president of PHI from 2002 to 2008. He was a member of the board of directors since 1998. Prior to joining Potomac Electric Power Co., Wraase worked for Exxon Corp. where he held various financial positions in the controller’s organization.

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.

About the Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 13 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland at College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, MS in business, Ph.D. and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs at locations in North America and Asia.