Biography

Ellen T. Ruff is a member of the board of directors for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), one of the largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states.

Ruff is a former partner in the law firm of McGuire-Woods, LLP.  Ruff has more than 30 years of utility experience, in various management, operations, legal planning and public affairs positions. Most recently, she was president, office of nuclear development, for Duke Energy Corporation, from December 2008 until her retirement in January 2011. Duke Energy Corporation is a leading energy company focused on electric power and gas distribution operations and other energy services in the Americas. From April 2006 through December 2008, Ruff was president of Duke Energy Carolinas, an electric utility that provides electricity and other services to customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. Ruff joined the Duke Energy organization in 1978 and during her career held a number of key positions, including: vice president and general counsel of corporate, gas and electric operations; senior vice president and general counsel for Duke Energy; senior vice president of asset management for Duke Power; senior vice president of power policy and planning; and group vice president of planning and external affairs. Ruff is also a director of Mistras Group, Inc.

Ruff serves as chair of the executive compensation committee, chair of the executive committee and a member of the corporate governance committee of the board.