Duke Energy Appoints Tim Pearson as New South Carolina State President Amid Leadership Changes

Greenville, S.C. – Duke Energy Appoints New South Carolina State President

On November 1, 2023, Tim Pearson will step into the role of South Carolina state president for Duke Energy, taking over from Mike Callahan, who has been promoted to senior vice president and treasurer. This transition follows the retirement of Karl Newlin, who held the treasurer position prior to his retirement.

Who is Tim Pearson?

Tim Pearson, a 42-year-old resident of Columbia, has a solid foundation in government and policy, particularly within South Carolina. With over a decade of experience, he has effectively navigated various roles in state governance. He initially joined Duke Energy in 2023 as vice president of government affairs and has been pivotal in discussing and shaping energy policy in South Carolina. Before his time at Duke, Pearson served as an advisor to state governors, including Nikki Haley and Henry McMaster.

What Are His Responsibilities?

As the new state president, Pearson will oversee state and local regulatory and government relations. His responsibilities will also include collaborating closely with the corporate and regulatory strategy team to promote legislative and regulatory initiatives. Furthermore, he will manage community relations and infrastructure engagement throughout South Carolina, ensuring Duke Energy aligns its efforts with state needs as it charts a course towards a smarter energy future.

Why the Change?

The shift in leadership comes as Duke Energy aims to reinforce its engagement with community stakeholders and policymakers amidst evolving challenges within the utility sector. Lynn Good, chair and CEO of Duke Energy, expressed confidence in Pearson’s abilities, stating that he possesses a unique skill set essential for tackling the industry’s challenges innovatively in South Carolina.

Mike Callahan’s Legacy

Mike Callahan, having led Duke Energy’s South Carolina operations for the past five years, will now focus on the financial sector of the company after being promoted. His tenure is noted for successfully managing community relations during the pandemic, leading storm restoration efforts, and enhancing the company’s grassroots community initiatives. His leadership played a crucial role during significant events, such as the recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Helene.

Leadership Transition at Duke Energy

Stepping into Pearson’s previous position as vice president of government affairs is Tigerron “Tiger” Wells, who is currently the state government affairs director. Wells has significant experience in lobbying at the State House and has advocated for Duke Energy’s interests in various regulatory discussions. His legal background as a former partner in a prominent law firm in South Carolina will support his new role in implementing legislative strategies for the company.

Continuing the Mission

Alongside Wells in the government affairs team will be Heather Shirley Smith, vice president of regulatory and policy, and Rick Jiran, vice president of government and community relations. Both will continue focusing on critical regulatory matters, local government relations, and community engagement initiatives.

Duke Energy’s Commitment to Clean Energy

Duke Energy is recognized as one of America’s largest energy holding companies, with a commitment to transitioning to clean energy. The company serves millions of customers across several states and is actively investing in renewable energy sources and upgrades to the electric grid. Their goals include achieving net-zero methane emissions from natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

As Tim Pearson prepares to embark on this new journey with Duke Energy, stakeholders and community members alike are eager to see how his leadership will influence the energy landscape in South Carolina.