Stephen M. Brame embarked on a career of service out of college, dedicating himself to serving Pennsylvania communities through thoughtful public policy. Born in Central Pennsylvania and a lifelong resident of the Commonwealth, he believes in cooperation as a fundamental tenet of building robust communities.

Brame joined the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association (PREA) and Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Allegheny) in 2001. As the organizations’ president & CEO, he builds on a career of rural advocacy. During his tenure as vice president – Public Affairs & Member Services for PREA/Allegheny, Brame touched on the very issues that impact the quality of life in rural areas of the country. He has helped PREA & Allegheny and their member cooperatives gain recognition as leaders in energy efficiency, innovation, and conservation. Through his work with the General Assembly, cooperative efficiency and demand-side management efforts are now recognized under Pennsylvania’s landmark Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, saving Pennsylvania electric cooperatives over $100 million over the life of the Act. He has also been instrumental in amending escheats legislation to keep unclaimed property in cooperative communities for the benefit of members – instead of having it revert to the state.

Prior to joining PREA/Allegheny, Brame served as a senior staffer for former Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. and Gov. Mark S. Schweiker. His responsibilities in the Lieutenant Governor’s office included legislative priorities, General Assembly relations and communications strategy. Steve continues to serve rural Pennsylvania as treasurer on the board of directors of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and as a member of the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council.