Edward Rendell

As Governor of Pennsylvania from 2003-2011, Ed Rendell served two terms as chief executive of the nation’s 6th-most-populous state and oversaw a $28.3 billion annual budget.

Under Governor Rendell's leadership, Pennsylvania’s economy rebounded sharply. When he became Governor, the commonwealth faced a projected budget deficit of $2.4 billion. As one of his first acts, Governor Rendell cut government spending to close that deficit and implemented programs and policies to apply business principles of productivity and cost-savings to the operation of state government.

As Mayor of Philadelphia from 1992-1999, Ed Rendell led what The New York Times called “the most stunning turnaround in recent urban history.” The subject of the book A Prayer for the City by Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Buzz Bissinger, he was called "one of America's best, most interesting mayors." Before serving as Mayor, Ed Rendell was elected district attorney of the City of Philadelphia for two terms from 1978 through 1985. He also served as general chair of the Democratic National Committee during the 2000 Presidential election, as chair of the National Governors Association and he teaches government and politics courses at the University of Pennsylvania.

An Army veteran, Ed Rendell holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the Villanova Law School.