Tim Pearson Named New President of Duke Energy South Carolina

Tim Pearson Appointed as Duke Energy South Carolina State President

Greenville, S.C. – Duke Energy has announced the upcoming appointment of Tim Pearson as the new South Carolina state president. This transition will take effect on November 1, as Pearson succeeds Mike Callahan, who has recently been promoted to senior vice president and treasurer of the company following the retirement of Karl Newlin. The leadership change marks a significant move within the company as it continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.

Who is Tim Pearson?

Tim Pearson, aged 42, will oversee the company’s state and local regulatory as well as government relations in South Carolina. His role is critical as he will work closely with the corporate and regulatory strategy team to push for legislative and regulatory initiatives beneficial for the state. Pearson’s team is also in charge of community relations and infrastructure engagement throughout South Carolina.

Experience and Background

Before his new role, Pearson was already a vital member of the Duke Energy team. He initially joined as an advisor and consultant and became the vice president of government affairs in 2023. With more than 10 years of experience in government and policy work within South Carolina, he has played a significant part in the energy policy discussions in the region.

Pearson’s background includes serving as an advisor to several governors in South Carolina. He was particularly instrumental in Henry McMaster’s successful gubernatorial campaigns in 2018 and 2022. Additionally, he held the position of chief of staff for Nikki Haley during her time as governor and was involved as the executive director of her transition team. His versatile experience makes him well-equipped to lead Duke Energy’s initiatives in the Palmetto State.

Mike Callahan’s Contributions

Mike Callahan, the outgoing state president, is credited with several key achievements over the past five years. Under his leadership, Duke Energy made significant strides in supporting local communities, particularly during the challenges brought on by the pandemic. His extensive background in finance and investor relations laid a solid foundation for Duke Energy to engage effectively with state and local organizations, especially during emergency situations like storm restoration efforts.

Who Will Succeed Pearson?

With Pearson’s promotion, Tigerron “Tiger” Wells will take over as vice president of government affairs. Currently the state government affairs director, Wells is positioned to manage Duke Energy’s legislative strategy in South Carolina. He brings valuable experience as a lawyer and a former partner at a law firm, making him a strong fit to promote the energy company’s interests at the state level.

Duke Energy’s Vision and Goals

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company based in Charlotte, N.C., serves approximately 8.4 million customers across several states, including South Carolina. The company is making significant investments in clean energy initiatives, aiming for net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas operations by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

As Pearson steps into his new role, he will focus on building smarter energy solutions for South Carolina while ensuring the company’s infrastructure effectively meets community needs. Lynn Good, Duke Energy’s chair and CEO, expressed confidence in Pearson’s ability to lead in these important conversations, highlighting the unique skills he brings to the position.

Conclusion

This leadership change occurs at a critical time as Duke Energy continues to address the evolving energy landscape in South Carolina. With Pearson at the helm, the company is looking to foster productive partnerships with stakeholders and policymakers to achieve its ambitious clean energy goals.