Power surge: Crises motivate utility president to seek constant improvement

An attorney-turned-energy executive has learned powering through challenges — even one as monumental as the pandemic — requires some 'unrealistic optimism.'

  • By Brian Hartz
  • | 6:00 a.m. July 24, 2020
  • | 0 Free Articles Remaining!
Courtesy. Catherine Stempien "flips the switch" at the April 2019 grand opening of Duke Energy's new Citrus Combined Cycle Station.
Courtesy. Catherine Stempien "flips the switch" at the April 2019 grand opening of Duke Energy's new Citrus Combined Cycle Station.
  • Leadership
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Catherine Stempien, president of Duke Energy’s Florida division, had barely settled into her new office when Hurricane Michael laid waste to the Panhandle. Elevated to the role in June 2018, about four months before the horrific Category 5 storm, she was faced with a crisis even the most experienced leaders would shudder to think about. 

 

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