Tim Pearson Appointed South Carolina State President for Duke Energy
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Duke Energy has announced the appointment of Tim Pearson as the new South Carolina state president, effective November 1. Pearson will take over from Mike Callahan, who has been promoted to senior vice president and treasurer after the retirement of Karl Newlin.
Who is Tim Pearson?
Tim Pearson, 42, has been a part of Duke Energy in various capacities, most recently serving as vice president of government affairs. In this new role, he will oversee local and state regulatory and governmental relations in South Carolina. His work will be crucial in advancing legislative and regulatory initiatives that aim to enhance the state’s energy future.
What is His Vision?
With his wealth of experience spanning over a decade in government and policy within South Carolina, Pearson aims to tackle challenges facing the utility industry innovatively. Lynn Good, the chair and CEO of Duke Energy, stated, “Tim has a unique set of skills that are critical to how we address challenges facing the utility industry in new ways in South Carolina.” His leadership is expected to foster collaboration among stakeholders and policymakers to fulfill the state’s needs.
The Transition of Leadership
Mike Callahan, who has led Duke Energy’s efforts in South Carolina for the last five years, expressed pride in the accomplishments during his tenure. His leadership included initiatives to support communities during the pandemic and effective storm restoration efforts, particularly during storm Helene. Callahan has a long history with the company, joining Duke Energy in 2002 and holding various roles, including vice president of investor relations.
Upcoming Changes in Leadership
Following Pearson’s appointment, Tigerron “Tiger” Wells, currently serving as state government affairs director, will take on the role of vice president of government affairs. Wells brings his experience as a South Carolina lawyer and a member of the municipal association’s government affairs team to this new position. He will be responsible for managing Duke Energy’s legislative strategy in the state.
Infrastructure Engagement and Community Relations
Pearson’s team will also include Heather Shirley Smith, vice president of regulatory and policy, who will manage regulatory matters, and Rick Jiran, vice president of government and community relations, who will maintain focus on local government interactions and community engagements.
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy, a major energy holding company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest utility providers in the United States. The company serves a total of 8.4 million customers across several states, including South Carolina. Its commitment to a clean energy transition aims at achieving net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas sector by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.
As Duke Energy progresses with planned upgrades to the electric grid and investments in cleaner energy sources, Pearson’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in steering the company toward a sustainable future. The focus will remain on improving reliability, affordability, and accessibility for all customers across the Palmetto State.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
