North Raleigh Today

Duke Energy has announced the appointment of Katherine Neebe as its new chief communications officer, effective February 24. Neebe, who currently serves as senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, will succeed Oscar Suris in this role. Suris will transition to a position as a senior advisor.

Louis Renjel, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer at Duke Energy, stated: “Katherine has demonstrated a deep appreciation for the critical role that clear, timely communications play in fostering trust among our stakeholders.” He further emphasized her leadership skills and experience in external affairs as essential to meeting the expectations of various stakeholders.

Neebe expressed her commitment to delivering business outcomes through customer service and community engagement. She highlighted the importance of corporate communications in advancing Duke Energy's energy modernization strategy aimed at addressing evolving energy needs.

Under Suris’s leadership, Duke Energy’s Corporate Communications was reorganized into an integrated entity encompassing communications, public affairs, and brand marketing. This reorganization expanded both external storytelling and internal communication capabilities. Renjel acknowledged Suris's dedication during his tenure at Duke Energy: “I am thankful for Oscar’s dedication and commitment to Duke Energy during his tenure here.”

Suris commented on his transition: “It’s been my privilege to work with this talented team and tell the dynamic story of Duke Energy. This is the right time to transition to an advisor role and help empower the next generation of communications leaders.”

In related news, Amy Strecker will temporarily lead Neebe's former organization while continuing her responsibilities as president of the Duke Energy Foundation.

Katherine Neebe brings extensive experience from roles at Fortune 100 companies like Walmart and initiatives with organizations such as World Wildlife Fund. Her past achievements include leading enterprisewide sustainability efforts at Duke Energy while managing significant philanthropic investments through the Duke Energy Foundation.

Duke Energy is a major player in America's energy sector with electric utilities serving millions across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company is focused on transitioning towards cleaner energy solutions by investing in grid upgrades and sustainable power sources.