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Paul Newton
NC State Senator
Professional Background
Paul Newton is an esteemed State Senator serving the great state of North Carolina in the North Carolina General Assembly, where he has applied his extensive legal and business expertise to create a lasting impact on his community and the state at large. With a remarkable career journey that has seen him take on increasingly significant roles in both the public and private sectors, Paul has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and dedicated public servant.
Before entering public service, Paul enjoyed a distinguished career at Duke Energy, one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. He began his tenure with Duke Energy in the legal domain, initially working in the Office of General Counsel where he held multiple positions, eventually rising to serve as Vice-President & General Counsel for Duke Power Company. His legal acumen and strategic vision propelled him to take on higher responsibilities, leading him to become the Senior Vice-President and General Counsel for Duke Energy's US Franchised Electric & Gas operations following the merger with Cinergy.
In 2008, Paul ascended to the position of Senior Vice-President of Strategy, Wholesale Customers, and Commodities. His leadership qualities shone through as he further took on additional responsibilities in November 2009, combining his roles in rates, regulatory strategy, and analytics into a single comprehensive position. By September 2012, following Duke Energy's successful merger with Progress Energy, he was named Senior Vice-President and Special Advisor to the Chairman. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the organization, Paul was appointed North Carolina State President on January 29, 2013, a role in which he continued to influence energy policy and community engagement until his retirement on September 1, 2015.
Education and Achievements
Paul Newton's educational background is as impressive as his career. He began his academic journey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. His foundation in business principles laid the groundwork for his future success in leadership and management roles.
Continuing on a path of educational excellence, Paul pursued a Juris Doctor degree at the same prestigious institution, the UNC-Chapel Hill. His legal education provided him with essential tools and frameworks to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges, especially in the energy sector.
Recognizing the importance of leadership development, Paul attended the Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, further sharpening his strategic thinking and legislative skills. His commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in his attendance at the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School, where he robustly expanded his knowledge of business management and leadership best practices.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his distinguished career, Paul Newton is recognized for numerous achievements that have left a lasting impact on the North Carolina energy landscape and beyond. As North Carolina State President of Duke Energy, he played a pivotal role in advocating for sustainable energy solutions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing customer engagement strategies. His forward-thinking approach helped position Duke Energy as a leader in the energy sector.
Paul's contributions extend beyond the corporate realm as he serves the people of North Carolina with integrity and dedication. His position as a State Senator enables him to leverage his extensive background to influence state legislation positively, particularly in areas concerning energy policy, public welfare, and economic development. His involvement in community issues is a testament to his belief in the importance of public service and commitment to making North Carolina a better place for future generations.
In addition to his professional roles, Paul is also noted for his participation in various professional organizations and community initiatives. His proactive approach to leadership and collaboration exemplifies what it means to be a committed public servant and a role model in his community. Paul’s vision for a better North Carolina translates into tangible results through his tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication to serving the public interest.