About
The West Penn Energy Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that invests in the deployment of sustainable energy technologies that benefit West Penn Power ratepayers in Pennsylvania. WPEF investments are focused in three broad categories:
The WPEF is focused on investing in the deployment of sustainable energy programs and technologies throughout the 23-county West Penn Power electric power service region. The 23-county region is over 10,000 square miles, has a population of approximately 1.5 million residents, and represents over 700,000 West Penn Power customers.
WPEF Zip Codes Service Territory Map
The Board of Directors provides oversight to the Fund and approves all funding requests. Directors go through a formal nomination process and are approved by the PA Public Utility Commission. The WPEF Board is comprised of the following individuals:
Alan Neuner, Retired – Geisinger Health System (Chairperson)
John Walliser, Pennsylvania Environmental Council (Vice Chairperson)
John Kline, 1st Summit Bank (Treasurer)
Brandy Schimp, Borough of Kane (Secretary)
Robert Hosken, Building Performance Architecture
Edward Miller, FirstEnergy
Mike Pauly, Ventana USA
The administrative staff is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Fund. The administrative staff includes:
Joel Morrison
Joel serves as the Fund Administrator. Joel is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and provides technical oversight to the Fund. He has over 35 years experience in the energy sciences. Joel is located at Penn State’s University Park campus. Joel is assisted in his duties by Barbara Robuck (Marketing & Communications).
Jim Smith
Jim serves as the President of the Economic Growth Connection (EGC) of Westmoreland and is responsible for the oversight of the Fund’s financial efforts. Jim has over 20 years experience in the economic development community. EGC is located in Greensburg, PA. Jim is assisted in his duties by George App (Accounting) and Kyle Martin (Business Development).
Linda McKenna Boxx (2000-2007)
Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation
William T. Hopwood (2000-2003)
Springhouse Energy Systems
Jim M. Stark (2000-2023)
Family Service Center
William Guyker (2000-2003)
Allegheny Energy Supply
Craig R. Kuennen (2000-2005)
Glendale Water & Power
Robert Kramer (2000-2004)
A.K. Steel
Robert J. Hosken (2000-2024)
Three Rivers Association for Sustainable Energy
Pat O’Brien (2003-2017)
WesBanco
Ed Johnstonbaugh (2003-2006)
Allegheny Energy
Michele Ponchione (2004-2023)
World Kitchen
Cassandra Robinson (2006-2011)
Allegheny Energy
Gwen Auman (2010-2014)
Auman Weis Entreprises