New Regulatory and Governmental Affairs Leads Appointed at Two Entergy Utility Subsidiaries

- Rodriguez to head regulatory and state governmental affairs at Entergy Texas

- Huntley to lead Entergy New Orleans regulatory and governmental affairs

News provided by

Apr 25, 2012, 02:00 ET

NEW ORLEANS, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) today announced new regulatory and governmental leads at two of its utility subsidiaries. Deanna Rodriguez will move from her current role as vice president, regulatory affairs for Entergy New Orleans, Inc. to Entergy Texas, Inc., where she will assume the new role of vice president, regulatory and governmental affairs. Gary Huntley, currently region manager for the New Orleans electric distribution network, has been named vice president, regulatory and governmental affairs for Entergy New Orleans, replacing Rodriguez.

"I am very pleased to announce these additions to the leadership teams of Entergy Texas and Entergy New Orleans; appointments that reflect our continued commitment to leadership development and the depth of talent from which we can draw here at Entergy," said Gary Taylor, Entergy's group president, utility operations. "Both Deanna and Gary have tremendous track records in their careers to date and we're looking forward to their continued success as they assume these new roles."

Rodriguez, who will report to Entergy Texas incoming president and CEO Sallie Rainer, will focus on building and enhancing relationships with government officials throughout Texas and will also coordinate the company's relationship with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. She will be based in Austin and will focus her time and efforts across all portions of the company's service territory – Beaumont, the Woodlands and Austin.

"As our customer base grows and evolves, it is important that Entergy Texas adapt to the changing landscape of southeast Texas. In addition to continuing our presence in Beaumont, with the fastest growing part of our customer base north of Houston, it is critical that we establish leadership offices there and in Austin, where important constituents like our regulators and legislature are headquartered," said Joe Domino, president and CEO of Entergy Texas.

Jack Blakley, vice president, regulatory affairs for Entergy Texas, and Parker McCollough, vice president, state governmental affairs for Entergy Texas, will report to Rodriguez.

In his new role, Huntley who will report to Charles Rice, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans, will serve as the primary contact for the New Orleans City Council and City Hall. He will be headquartered at Entergy New Orleans offices on Magnolia Street.

"Gary will be an outstanding addition to Entergy New Orleans' regulatory affairs efforts," said Rice. "His collaborative style, hands-on work as manager of the New Orleans distribution network and his experience in regulatory affairs for Entergy Louisiana provide him with an excellent background to help us deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity and gas to New Orleans customers."

"We wish Deanna well in her new position at Entergy Texas and thank her for invaluable contributions to Entergy New Orleans," he continued.

Rodriguez and Huntley assume their new roles June 1.

Biographical Information:
Gary Huntley
Gary Huntley was named manager of the New Orleans electric distribution system in August 2010 and is responsible for the safe and reliable delivery of electricity throughout the east bank of New Orleans. Under his leadership, the reliability of the distribution system improved nearly 30 percent within the last two years.

Huntley joined Entergy in 2001 as a senior analyst for Entergy Solutions. In 2005, he joined the regulatory group for Entergy Louisiana and supported the filings associated with storm cost recovery for hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2007, he served as manager of new business development for Entergy Louisiana and his responsibilities included submitting the proposal to provide electric service for the Fort Polk military facility. Prior to joining Entergy, Huntley was employed by Chevron Corporation from 1989 to 2001.

Huntley received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1989 and a master of business administration degree from Tulane University in 2001.

Deanna Rodriguez
Deanna Rodriguez hails from the Rio Grande Valley near the south Texas border. She has held various roles throughout Entergy during the past 15 years. As director of corporate communications for what would have become Enexus Energy Corporation, she was responsible for branding and communications. Prior to this position, she was director of external affairs for Entergy, leading the effort to secure $200 million in community development block grant funding to assist the Louisiana, Mississippi and New Orleans utility companies rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.

As vice president of corporate contributions for Entergy from 1999 to 2003, Rodriguez was responsible for the company's social responsibility and philanthropic efforts. During this time, she created the Entergy Charitable Foundation and the company's ongoing employee volunteer program, Community Connectors.

During a brief hiatus from Entergy, she served as associate vice chancellor of community relations for the University of Texas system. She has also served as minority affairs liaison for the State Bar of Texas.

Rodriguez holds a bachelor's degree in government and a master's degree in public affairs, both from the University of Texas at Austin.

Entergy Texas, Inc. delivers electricity to more than 400,000 customers in 27 counties in Texas. Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish. The company provides electricity to more than 160,000 customers and natural gas to more than 100,000 customers in Orleans Parish. Both companies are subsidiaries of Entergy Corporation.

Additional information can be accessed online at www.entergy.com.

SOURCE Entergy Corporation