Born in 1969, Penner attended elementary school at Roslyn Elementary School and secondary school at Selwyn House School. He received his JD degree from Hofstra University in Long Island, New York after earning an undergraduate degree at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec.http://www.cjnews.com/canada/hydro-québec-gets-its-first-jewish-chair Canadian Jewish News article. Retrieved March 20, 2015 He began his career as a lawyer in New York, first with Rivkin Radler & Kremer and then with the Olsten Corporation.https://www.ledevoir.com/economie/actualites-economiques/420767/le-ca-d-hydro-quebec-a-un-nouveau-president-michael-d-penner (in French) Le Devoir article. Retrieved March 20, 2015
