Governor Edward G. Rendell nominated Cozen O’Connor member Ambassador David Girard-diCarlo, Ret., to a five-year term on the Philadelphia School Reform Commission. Girard-diCarlo practices with the firm’s business and government relations groups. Prior to joining Cozen O’Connor, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, among the largest U.S. diplomatic missions in the world.

Under the state law that created the commission, the governor appoints three members and the mayor names two. “Education is a mission I feel passionate about,” said Girard-diCarlo. “I am honored to accept this nomination.”

From 1997-2002, Girard-diCarlo was chairman of Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS). He was chairman of the Board of Consultors of Villanova University School of Law and also served on the boards of Saint Joseph’s University, Drexel University and Harcum Junior College.

Girard-diCarlo was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Richard L. Thornburgh to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and served as chairman of the board from 1979-1982. In 1981, he was elected as chairman of the American Public Transit Association (APTA) for a one-year term.

Actively involved in politics, Girard-diCarlo has held positions with numerous local, state and federal campaigns, including treasurer of the Ridge for Governor Committee and chairman of the Governor’s Transition Team; Pennsylvania state chairman of the Bush-Cheney 2000 and 2004 campaigns; and co-chairman of the host committee for the 2000 Republican National Convention, held in Philadelphia. Prior to his nomination as Ambassador to Austria, Girard-diCarlo had been Pennsylvania Finance Chairman for McCain for President 2008.