Principal Solar announces the appointment of Jeff Heller, former vice chairman of Electronic Data Systems, Inc. (EDS), to its Board of Directors. Heller was instrumental in helping generate historic growth for EDS with his visionary restructuring and revitalization strategies.
"We're confident that Jeff's extraordinary brand of leadership and track record, for not only helping build EDS in its early days, but also restoring it to greatness in recent years, will play a significant role in the continued growth of PSI," says Michael Gorton, CEO and chairman of PSI. "Our business success revolves around the caliber of our Board of Directors, the quality of our business plan, and access to the highest levels of experience and expertise in the country."
Heller's distinguished career began in the U.S. Marine Corps as a pilot. He served in Vietnam in the mid 1960's and attained the rank of captain. Shortly thereafter, he joined the EDS Systems Engineering Development Program, the largest outsourcing and data processing services organization in the country. He assisted the explosive growth of EDS' healthcare business as an implementation specialist, and was named regional manager of EDS' healthcare business in the Eastern U.S. in 1973.
In 1974, Heller was appointed corporate vice president, with responsibility for technology planning, support and the EDS Service Corporation. In 1979 he headed the newly formed Technical Services Group, and in 1983 was elected to the EDS board of directors. He led the integration of General Motors and EDS information technology organizations and assets following General Motors' acquisition of EDS in 1984. In 1987 he was named a senior vice president and became president and chief operating officer in 1996.
Heller retired in 2002 and was asked by the EDS Board to return as president and chief operating officer in 2003. In 2006, he was named vice chairman and retired in 2008.
Heller states, "Drawing on my years of experience, I look forward to advancing PSI's first-in-the-industry acquisition strategy. We expect to propel solar into the mainstream, ensuring that advanced solar technologies deliver more efficient and less costly power."
