May 17, 2025

Tim Pearson Appointed State President of Duke Energy in South Carolina

News Summary

Duke Energy has appointed Tim Pearson as the new state president for South Carolina, effective November 1. Pearson replaces Mike Callahan, who has been promoted. With over a decade of government and policy experience, Pearson will oversee regulatory and government relations while advancing clean energy initiatives. His appointment comes amid Duke Energy’s leadership restructuring aimed at enhancing operational strategies and engagement in the region, particularly as the company commits to sustainability goals.

South Carolina

Duke Energy has officially named Tim Pearson as the new state president for South Carolina, taking on this role effective November 1. Pearson replaces Mike Callahan, who has been promoted to senior vice president and treasurer following the retirement of Karl Newlin.

At 42 years old, Pearson will be responsible for managing state and local regulatory and government relations throughout South Carolina. His role includes working closely with the corporate and regulatory strategy team to further legislative, rate, and regulatory initiatives in the state. Additionally, Pearson’s team will oversee community relations and infrastructure engagement for Duke Energy across South Carolina.

The appointment of Pearson comes as Duke Energy undergoes leadership restructuring aimed at enhancing its operational strategy. Chair and CEO Lynn Good expressed confidence in Pearson’s ability to tackle the challenges present in the utility industry within South Carolina, highlighting his relevant experience and skill set needed for the position.

Professional Background of Tim Pearson

Tim Pearson joined Duke Energy full-time in 2023, serving as the vice president of government affairs. Prior to that, he held positions as an advisor and consultant. With over a decade of experience in government and policy within South Carolina, Pearson has worked with multiple governors, giving him valuable insights into the political landscape of the state.

His professional experience is set to bring a fresh perspective to Duke Energy, particularly at a time when the company is focused on advancing its initiatives in clean energy and regulatory compliance.

Leadership Transition Details

Mike Callahan, the outgoing state president, has led Duke Energy’s South Carolina operations for the past five years. Callahan has also held various roles at Duke Energy since joining the company in 2002, including vice president of investor relations and director of regulated utilities forecasting. His leadership was notably recognized during the pandemic and in storm recovery efforts in the community.

Following Pearson’s appointment as state president, Tigerron “Tiger” Wells, the current state government affairs director, is set to take over Pearson’s previous role as vice president of government affairs. Meanwhile, Heather Shirley Smith, vice president of regulatory and policy, and Rick Jiran, vice president of government and community relations, will continue to report directly to Pearson in their current positions.

Duke Energy’s Operations and Initiatives

Duke Energy serves approximately 8.4 million customers across multiple states, including North Carolina and South Carolina. The company is committed to investing in clean energy initiatives, with ambitious goals to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. This commitment reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainable energy solutions and regulatory compliance.

The strategic leadership changes at Duke Energy come at a crucial time as the company is looking to enhance its regulatory and community engagement strategies in South Carolina, ensuring it meets both customer needs and environmental goals. As Tim Pearson steps into his new role, he will play a pivotal part in shaping the future direction of Duke Energy in the region.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: HERE Greenwood

GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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