Duke Energy makes key appointments to leadership of federal affairs, policy, sustainability and philanthropy

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Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has announced key leadership appointments effective July 1, with Pepper Natonski promoted to senior vice president of federal affairs, policy and sustainability, and Tom Craig elevated to vice president of federal affairs. Natonski, who joined Duke Energy a decade ago, brings extensive experience in delivering federal policy outcomes and has strong community connections across Duke's service territory. Craig, with over 10 years at Duke Energy, will lead the company's federal public policy strategy and represent Duke before Congress and federal agencies. These appointments come as Duke Energy, serving 8.6 million electric customers and 1.7 million natural gas customers across multiple states, executes its energy transition strategy focusing on grid upgrades and cleaner generation.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) today announced the promotions of Pepper Natonski to senior vice president, federal affairs, policy and sustainability and Tom Craig to vice president, federal affairs, effective July 1.

"Duke Energy is executing an ambitious strategy to serve the growing needs of our customers and communities," said Louis Renjel, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer. "This is a pivotal moment for our federal engagement, and we are fortunate to have an exceptional team in place. Pepper has demonstrated not only a passion for our customers and stakeholders, but also a strong track record of translating that passion into outcomes for them. Tom is a highly respected leader whose deep experience and trusted voice on Capitol Hill will continue to drive our success."

Natonski said, "I am honored to lead Duke Energy's federal affairs, policy, sustainability and philanthropy teams at a time of both challenge and opportunity for our industry. Our team will continue to focus on delivering policy outcomes that serve our customers, shareholders and country."

Natonski joined Duke Energy nearly 10 years ago and has helped deliver key federal policy outcomes, from tax reforms to critical infrastructure investments. She has deep and personal connections to the communities across Duke Energy's service territory. Prior to joining Duke Energy, she served as chief of staff to Congressman Richard Hudson. She is recognized for her expertise on issues impacting the energy sector, as well as her strategic focus and strong relationships with stakeholders.

Craig, a distinguished leader with over a decade of service at Duke Energy, will lead the execution of the company's federal public policy strategy, representing the company before Congress, the administration and federal agencies.

Renjel added, "These appointments reflect the strength and depth of our leadership team. Pepper and Tom exemplify the values and capabilities needed to meet this historic energy moment."

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. 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

Who is the new senior vice president of federal affairs at Duke Energy (DUK)?

Pepper Natonski has been promoted to senior vice president of federal affairs, policy and sustainability at Duke Energy, effective July 1, 2025.

What is Tom Craig's new role at Duke Energy?

Tom Craig has been promoted to vice president of federal affairs at Duke Energy, effective July 1, 2025.

How many customers does Duke Energy (DUK) serve?

Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states and 1.7 million natural gas customers across five states.

What states does Duke Energy operate in?

Duke Energy operates electric utilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and natural gas utilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

What is Duke Energy's current energy transition strategy?

Duke Energy is focusing on electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including investments in natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage while maintaining customer reliability and value.