Duke Energy announces Loree Elswick as president of the Duke Energy Foundation

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced Loree Elswick will become president of the Duke Energy Foundation, starting Nov. 1, 2025, and will remain based in Charlotte.

Elswick has more than 20 years at Duke Energy with leadership in corporate communications, customer experience and emergency preparedness. The Foundation provides more than $30 million in annual philanthropic support, has invested over $280 million in communities during the last 10 years, and receives nearly $4 million annually in volunteer time.

The Foundation is funded by shareholders and focuses on community resilience and engagement across Duke Energy service areas.

Positive

• Leadership continuity with Loree Elswick's >20-year Duke Energy tenure
• Elswick assumes role on Nov. 1, 2025
• Foundation gives >$30 million annually
• Foundation invested >$280 million in the last 10 years
• Annual volunteer contribution valued at nearly $4 million

Negative

• Duke Energy shareholders fund the Foundation, representing a recurring corporate expense

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy announced today the appointment of Loree Elswick as the new president of the Duke Energy Foundation.

"Loree's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for our communities," said Pepper Natonski, senior vice president of federal affairs, sustainability, and philanthropy at Duke Energy. "As we work to meet the growing energy needs of our customers while keeping costs as low as possible, the Foundation's role in strengthening the places we call home has never been more important. Loree's deep-rooted commitment to service and her passion for community engagement make her the ideal leader to guide this work forward."

Throughout her more than 20-year career at Duke Energy, Loree Elswick has consistently championed the wellbeing of customers and communities. Her leadership in corporate communications, customer experience, and emergency preparedness has been marked by a clear dedication to public service and a belief in the power of partnerships.

"I'm honored to step into this role and continue building strong, resilient communities across our service areas," said Elswick. "Philanthropy is not just a function—it's a passion. I'm excited to build on the Duke Energy Foundation's strategic work and deepen our impact in the neighborhoods we serve."

Natonski added, "Loree understands that our company's mission is powered by people. Her ability to connect with stakeholders and her unwavering belief in the power of giving back will help us continue to answer the call of engagement and service."

For more than 40 years the Duke Energy Foundation has been helping answer the call of citizenship and service in the communities where it operates. The Foundation's giving exceeds $30 million annually and over the last 10 years it has invested more than $280 million into its communities. Annually, Duke Energy volunteers donate nearly $4 million in time to nonprofits.

Elswick most recently led the company's operational, customer and emergency communications. Before joining Duke Energy, she worked in public affairs and nonprofit leadership. Elswick starts her new role on Nov. 1 and will remain in Charlotte where she is a long-term resident.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

Who was named president of the Duke Energy Foundation and when does Loree Elswick start?

Loree Elswick was named president of the Duke Energy Foundation and starts on Nov. 1, 2025.

What is the Duke Energy Foundation's annual philanthropic commitment listed in the Duke Energy release?

The Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support.

How much has the Duke Energy Foundation invested in communities over the last 10 years?

The Foundation has invested over $280 million in communities during the last 10 years.

Will Loree Elswick relocate after her appointment as Duke Energy Foundation president?

No, Loree Elswick will remain in Charlotte where she is a long-term resident.

How is the Duke Energy Foundation funded according to the announcement?

The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

What relevant experience does Loree Elswick bring to the Duke Energy Foundation role?

Elswick brings leadership in corporate communications, customer experience and emergency communications from her >20-year Duke Energy career.