WASHINGTON D.C. (March 17, 2017) -Dave Velazquez, president and CEO, Pepco Holdings, will receive the City Year Lifetime of Idealism Award at the annual City Year Idealism in Action Gala on March 29, 2017, at the Washington Hilton.  This award is City Year D.C.'s highest honor and is awarded to leaders who impact the lives of others through a high level of commitment to community service.

With more than 35 years of service with Pepco Holdings, Velazquez has been instrumental in championing a culture of corporate citizenship. Through his leadership, in 2016, Pepco Holdings raised over $1.5 million for the United Way campaign, completed 1,343 volunteer projects and contributed over $6 million to fund community grants for programs focused on education, cultural arts and economic engagement.

Velazquez dedicates his time and resources to also serve on the boards of a number of educational and community organizations, such as the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, Smithsonian Zoo Advisory Board, Emeritus Advisory Board of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, DC Policy Center and United Way of the National Capital Area.

"Dave embodies the values that the City Year Lifetime of Idealism award represents," said Jeff Franco, vice president and executive director, City Year D.C. "Through his years of work on a number of educational issues throughout our region, Dave has shown the positive impact a leader in our community can have on our schools and students. Most importantly, his support for our students provides inspiration to the thousands of Pepco employees who give their time and resources. We're honored to call him, and Pepco, a partner."

"To have a culture of service, I believe that leadership must set the example for employees to follow. This award is bigger than me," said Velazquez. "It is a testament to just how much the company is engrained into our communities and demonstrates everyday how much we care about those who we serve. "I accept this award not only for my service in the community but also for the amazing works that Pepco has done to be an active corporate citizen for the communities in which we live and work."

Peter Meier, vice president of Legal Services at Pepco Holdings, will also be honored with the City Year Idealist of the Year award.  City Year presents this award to individuals who embody the spirit of idealism-seeking to improve the community, nation and world.

The Idealism in Action Gala brings together more than 650 guests for to celebrate service, impact and idealism. All proceeds from the event support City Year's work to keep more than 7,500 D.C. public school students in school and on track to succeed.

Find additional information about Pepco by visiting pepco.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at  twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Our mobile app is available at pepco.com/mobileapp.