Florie McNelis, customer programs director for PPL Utilities Northeast Region, recently earned recognition as one of Pennsylvania's 50 Best Women in Business. The award, created by Governor Tom Ridge in 1996, honors the significant contributions women make to the state's economic and business growth.
McNelis credits her business success to the same skills and principals necessary to raise a family. "It's important to provide support, lead by example, engender a sense of unity and teamwork, and foster an environment that is stimulating," She says. "That approach breeds competence and shows people that what they do makes a difference."

McNelis has held a variety of positions in her 18 years with PPL. She began as a security officer at the Susquehanna nuclear plant, served as a residential consultant and later became the first woman to hold the post of economic development director. In 1995, McNelis was named customer programs director, the position she now holds.

While many of her titles and duties were traditionally held by men, McNelis says she enjoys the challenge of mastering new skills and expanding opportunities. "I've always tried to do the best job I possibly could no matter what the position was," she said. "I was never really concerned with whether it was a male-dominated position or not — I always felt that your accomplishments would speak for you."

As customer programs director, McNelis manages PPL's programs to assist low-income and other special-needs customers. She says helping others on the job fits well with her own volunteer efforts with community organizations such as the Penn's Woods Girl Scout Council and Serento Gardens.

McNelis is the daughter of Angela and Edward Lally. She's married to attorney Edward P. McNelis, and the couple lives in Conyngham with their two children, Connor and Audrey.