Recognizing, honoring, and congratulating Romona Riscoe Benson for her exceptional leadership at PECO and her subsequent retirement after an astounding career.

WHEREAS, Romona Riscoe Benson has had a long and exceptional career in energy and community policy, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and growing the number of women and minorities in the field; and

WHEREAS, Benson served as the President and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia until 2012; and

WHEREAS, Benson is an accomplished jazz vocalist and has recently produced recordings of her work; and

WHEREAS, Benson then joined PECO as a leader in the development in some of PECO’s largest community partnerships and sponsorships. The partnerships and sponsorships include but are not limited to the World Meeting of Families and Pope’s visit to Philadelphia, the NFL Draft, and the Democratic National Convention; and

WHEREAS, Benson’s leadership resulted in the fifth year of PECO’s Infrastructure Academy Workforce Development Program, as well as the modernization of PECO’s Crown Lights and the creation of the city-wide PECO Energy Jazz Festival; and

WHEREAS, As a leading voice on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, serving as a core member of PECO’s Racial Equity Initiative and PECO Women Connected, Benson has shown commitment to minority inclusion at PECO; and

WHEREAS, Benson also serves her community as a Board Member for the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, Women of Destiny, Brandywine River Art Museum, the Pyramid Club, and Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. In addition to her board memberships Benson is also a steering committee member of the Civic Coalition to Save Lives and previously served on numerous other boards including but not limited to: Philadelphia School Partnership, Philanthropy Network for Greater Philadelphia, and the National MS Society; and

WHEREAS, Benson served five years as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress, now PHL Diversity, as well as serving as the Senior Director of Visitor Services and Community Relations with the New Jersey State Aquarium, Vice President for Eastern Pennsylvania with the Abraxas Foundation, and previously served on the Philadelphia International Airport Advisory Council and Commission, the Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and many other organizations; and

WHEREAS, Benson has been honored by numerous organizations in the Philadelphia area including the Philadelphia Tribune, Philadelphia Business Journal, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,

WDAS Radio, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the African American Chamber of Commerce SEPA, and the Women’s Resource Center. Most recently, Benson has also been recognized by the Urban League of Philadelphia, the United Negro College Fund, the Salvation Army, Mural Arts of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; and

WHEREAS, Benson has been an outspoken advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for several decades. Benson’s leadership and legacy is an inspiration to all, and her positive impact on PECO is a lasting accomplishment that will follow her forever. now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors, congratulates, and recognizes Romona Riscoe Benson’s impactful career, congratulates her on her well-deserved retirement, and thanks her for her service to the City of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed Copy of this resolution be presented to Romona Riscoe Benson, further evidencing the sincere respect of this legislative body.

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