Electric power company Duke Energy announced today that it has hired Katherine Neebe as President of Duke Energy Foundation and Vice President, National Engagement and Strategy to the company, and as Duke’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

Duke is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., providing electricity to 7.7 million retail customers in six states, and with electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated renewables unit. The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work, contributing more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts,  funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars.

Julie Janson, Duke Energy’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs and President, Carolinas Region, said:

“Building stronger communities where Duke Energy customers and employees live and work is fundamental to our core mission. With her strong background in building lasting relationships, we are excited to have Katherine join our team.”

According to the company, Neebe has deep experience building strategic partnerships that create significant change. She will play a key collaborative role working with the company’s customers, communities, employees, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to develop solutions to meet customer needs for continued reliable and affordable energy, while working to achieve the company’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Prior to joining Duke, Neebe spent 7 years at Walmart, most recently as the retailer’s Senior Director – ESG, Trust & Transparency, after joining the company as Director of Sustainability, Stakeholder Engagement. She has also worked at conservation organization WWF, where she managed a $24MM sustainability-driven NGO-corporate initiative with The Coca-Cola Company. In her new role at Duke Energy she will be responsible for overseeing the company’s sustainability, advocacy and stakeholder engagement teams.

Neebe said:

“I’m passionate about working for purpose-driven companies that make critical contributions to society. I look forward to the opportunity to take my past experience and apply it to the energy industry – to help Duke Energy build vital communities.”