Duke Energy names new North Carolina state president

Duke Energy said Wednesday it has selected David Fountain to serve as the company's North Carolina state president.

Fountain currently is senior vice president of enterprise legal support for Duke Energy. He will begin in his new position  Sept. 1. 
  
Fountain will be in charge of managing relations with state and local regulators and other governmental entities. He will also be leading economic development programs in the state and working to facilitate community relations. His main responsibility will be pursuing programs and initiatives that allow the company to provide safe, environmentally responsible and reliable electricity to North Carolina residents.

"David’s decades of experience have prepared him well for this important role," Duke Energy Executive Vice President of Market Solutions and President of the Carolinas region Lloyd Yates said. "More than 3.2 million customers across North Carolina depend on us. David understands that responsibility. In his new role, he will continue to advocate for policies and practices to meet the energy needs of our customers and North Carolina in cost effective, environmentally sound ways.”

Fountain will also oversee the development of the company's water strategy and other measures relating to the licensing process for hydroelectric generation in the state.
   
Fountain holds a juris doctor, an MBA and a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to joining Duke Energy, Fountain practiced law with Smith, Helms, Mullins and Moore.