Duke Energy Appoints Loree Elswick as President of Duke Energy Foundation, Strengthening Commitment to Community Investment
Duke Energy today announced the appointment of Loree Elswick as the new president of the Duke Energy Foundation, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing mission to empower the communities it serves through philanthropy, volunteerism, and sustainable development initiatives.
The announcement underscores Duke Energy’s commitment to fostering community resilience and social progress at a time when the energy industry is undergoing a profound transformation—driven by clean energy goals, infrastructure modernization, and growing customer expectations.
“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.”
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
With more than 20 years at Duke Energy, Elswick brings to the role a long record of leadership in corporate communications, customer experience, and emergency preparedness. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for community partnership and a firm believer that energy companies must play a vital role beyond providing electricity—they must also help create equitable, thriving, and resilient communities.
“I’m honored to step into this role and continue building strong, resilient communities across our service areas,” said Loree 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.”
Elswick’s approach to leadership reflects Duke Energy’s broader vision of aligning business performance with community value. Her focus on public engagement, transparent communication, and collaborative partnerships has been instrumental in shaping how Duke Energy interacts with customers, governments, and nonprofit organizations.
Empowering Communities Through Philanthropy
The Duke Energy Foundation has played a central role in the company’s social responsibility strategy for over four decades. The Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic grants across the company’s service territories, which include communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. These funds support programs in education, workforce development, nature conservation, and community vitality, helping local organizations build capacity and drive lasting impact.
Over the past ten years, the Foundation has invested more than $280 million into communities, with a particular emphasis on equity-focused programs, sustainable development, and disaster response. Beyond financial support, Duke Energy employees volunteer thousands of hours each year, equivalent to nearly $4 million in time donated to nonprofits. These efforts reflect a deeply ingrained corporate culture of giving back and helping communities prepare for the challenges of the future.
“Loree understands that our company’s mission is powered by people,” added Natonski. “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.”
Guiding the Foundation’s Next Chapter
As president, Elswick will oversee all strategic and operational aspects of the Duke Energy Foundation’s charitable programs. She will focus on expanding partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations, while ensuring that the Foundation’s investments align with Duke Energy’s broader sustainability and social impact goals.
Her leadership comes at a time when energy affordability, climate resilience, and equitable access to clean energy are central to public policy and community development discussions. By connecting philanthropy with Duke Energy’s energy transition strategy, Elswick aims to bridge the gap between environmental progress and social equity.
The Foundation’s work also plays a critical role in supporting STEM education, particularly for underserved communities. Through grants and partnerships, Duke Energy helps prepare students for careers in the energy and technology sectors—fields that are rapidly evolving as clean energy innovation accelerates. In addition, the Foundation contributes to emergency preparedness and disaster recovery efforts, ensuring communities are supported during and after crises such as hurricanes and severe weather events.
A Personal Commitment to Community
Elswick, a long-term Charlotte, North Carolina resident, most recently led the company’s operational, customer, and emergency communications teams. Prior to joining Duke Energy, she gained experience in public affairs and nonprofit leadership, shaping her understanding of how corporations and civil society can work together to create measurable community outcomes.
Her career has been defined by a dedication to bridging communication between the company and the public, especially during times of crisis or transition. This experience will serve her well as she leads the Foundation in its mission to foster trust, collaboration, and tangible results in Duke Energy’s communities.
Continuing a Tradition of Service
For Duke Energy, the appointment reinforces a longstanding philosophy that corporate citizenship is an essential part of business success. The company recognizes that sustainable energy progress requires not only technological innovation but also deep engagement with the people and communities it serves.
The Duke Energy Foundation, funded entirely by Duke Energy shareholders, is a testament to this belief. Its consistent philanthropic contributions—more than $30 million each year—reflect a sustained commitment to creating positive, measurable change. These efforts are amplified by employee volunteerism programs, community partnerships, and the integration of social and environmental goals into business strategy.
With Elswick at the helm, the Foundation is poised to amplify its community impact through a more data-driven and collaborative approach to philanthropy—ensuring resources are directed where they can have the greatest and most lasting effect.
“Energy connects people, businesses, and communities,” Elswick said. “Through the Foundation’s work, we can help ensure that connection is equitable, empowering, and sustainable. I look forward to working with our partners to continue making a meaningful difference.”
Elswick officially assumes her new role on November 1, continuing to be based in Charlotte, where Duke Energy’s headquarters are located. Her leadership marks a new chapter for the Duke Energy Foundation, one that builds upon decades of community engagement and positions the organization for a future defined by collaboration, inclusion, and lasting social impact.
