Duke Energy's top philanthropy executive, 'Stick' Williams, to retire

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Oct 01, 2015, 11:30 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy's top philanthropy executive, Richard "Stick" Williams, will retire Dec. 31, 2015, after a 36-year Duke Energy career, the company announced today.

Williams, 62, a Duke Energy vice president, oversees the Duke Energy Foundation, which last year donated $26.5 million to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

He also oversees the company's community affairs activities.

Previously, Williams served as Duke Energy's senior vice president of environment, health and safety, overseeing health and safety programs and environmental compliance. He also has served as vice president of diversity and employee development, general manager of business and community relations, and manager of investor relations.

He is a past chairman of the board of trustees of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and current co-chair of Project LIFT, a $55-million initiative to improve educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students in west Charlotte.

"Stick Williams has been a strong leader at Duke Energy and in the communities we serve," said Jennifer Weber, Duke Energy's executive vice president of external affairs and strategic policy. "His big heart and strong commitment to community service have benefitted thousands of children and adults, especially those most in need."

Shawn Heath, currently Duke Energy's vice president of sustainability, will replace Williams.

Heath previously has served as the company's vice president of outreach and advocacy, vice president of planning and business support, and director of state energy policy.

Heath serves on the board of trustees of the Keystone Policy Institute and the board of directors of the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation. He also is actively involved with several grassroots community engagement organizations.

"As Duke Energy's sustainability leader, Shawn Heath has reinforced our company's strong commitment to sustainability, customer satisfaction and environmental stewardship," Weber said. "His talents and knowledge of the communities we serve will be great assets to the Duke Energy Foundation."

About Duke Energy

Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.3 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. Its commercial power and international energy business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

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SOURCE Duke Energy