Leadership – Entergy We power life. Fri, 27 Jun 2025 03:21:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-FavIcon-32x32.png Leadership – Entergy 32 32 Pro Bono Institute recognizes Marcus Brown with 2025 Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award /blog/pro-bono-institute-recognizes-marcus-brown-with-2025-laurie-d-zelon-pro-bono-award Tue, 20 May 2025 22:00:37 +0000 /?p=18099 The Pro Bono Institute has awarded Entergy’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel Marcus Brown with the prestigious. This annual accolade honors individuals and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to pro bono legal services, and Brown’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of community service within Entergy’s legal department.

Over the past decade, Entergy’s dedicated legal team has contributed more than 22,000 hours of pro bono work, resulting in a $6.1 million in-kind donation to the communities we serve.

“Receiving the Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award is an honor for the entire Entergy legal team, whose collective efforts have made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people across the communities we serve. We believe that access to justice is a fundamental right and our commitment to pro bono work reflects that belief,” said Brown.

Under Brown’s guidance, Entergy has established strong partnerships with several nonprofit organizations, providing valuable legal support to those who might otherwise face barriers in accessing necessary services. Our pro bono initiatives focus on a variety of issues, including support for low-income families, nonprofits and small businesses, and veterans where legal assistance can significantly enhance the quality of life.

In addition to helping create a program that dramatically increased the pro bono commitment of the company’s attorneys and legal staff, Brown also established a full-time, in-house counsel role at Entergy dedicated to pro bono legal assistance – a unique position amongst Fortune 500 companies. In this role, Christy Kane, Entergy’s senior pro bono counsel has been instrumental in expanding in-house pro bono at Entergy, including the launch of EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day with the Pro Bono Institute, and aligning pro bono efforts with Entergy’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The Pro Bono Institute’s acknowledgment of our efforts underscores the vital role companies play in fostering legal access and community support. As businesses continue to recognize their responsibility to society, leaders like Brown serve as inspirations for professionals across industries.

At Entergy, we remain committed to our pro bono mission, with plans to expand our initiatives and impact for the benefit of our customers and communities. Learn more about our legal department’srecent pro bono work.

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Tianna Raby named vice president of regulatory affairs for Entergy Mississippi /news/tianna-raby-named-vice-president-of-regulatory-affairs-for-entergy-mississippi Thu, 15 May 2025 03:24:00 +0000 /blog-post/tianna-raby-named-vice-president-of-regulatory-affairs-for-entergy-mississippi/ ACKSON, Miss. – Entergy Mississippi has named Tianna Raby as vice president of regulatory affairs, effective May 18. In this role, she will lead the company’s regulatory affairs organization, which is a key partner to the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

“Our success during this time of growth requires all facets of our business to work in lockstep with one another internally, as well as with our external stakeholders. Our relationships with the Mississippi Public Service Commission and staff are key to achieving regulatory outcomes that support our customers’ needs,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO.

“Tianna’s counsel has been vital to many of our successes over recent years, including landing Amazon Web Services, bringing significant value to our customers. Her deep knowledge of the company and the regulatory environment, as well as her stellar leadership, will position us for a seamless transition as we embark on the next chapter of our transformation.”

In addition to managing relationships with our regulatory authorities, Raby will set the company’s regulatory strategy, including stakeholder engagement for regulatory issues, and lead efforts to manage cases before the Commission to ensure Entergy Mississippi’s rates remain affordable for customers.

Raby joined Entergy’s legal department in 2014 as senior counsel in the litigation group and later became managing counsel. While in litigation, she managed casualty and commercial litigation matters. Raby later moved to serve as managing counsel in legal regulatory and was promoted to assistant general counsel in 2020. Before joining Entergy, she was a partner in the Jackson office of a civil litigation defense firm where she defended clients in a wide spectrum of claims.

She graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in human communications and earned her Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University. Raby is a member of both the Mississippi State Bar and the Louisiana State Bar.

As an active community volunteer, Raby supports the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyer Program and serves on the Advisory Council for the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links, Inc., and the Junior League of Jackson.

Raby succeeds Jeremy Vanderloo, who was appointed vice president of business operations and strategy earlier this year.

About Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi, LLC provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of ϳԹ. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more atand connect with@EntergyMSon social media.

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Meet the pros: Chad Rogers /blog/meet-the-pros-chad-rogers Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:54:33 +0000 /?p=13640 Chad Rogers is the lead operations instructor at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Miss. He has worked at the plant for 34 years, starting in 1991 when he was just 19 years old as an operator trainee.

“I grew up at Grand Gulf,” said Rogers. “I remember when I first applied for the job. I was so terrified. It was my first real grown-up job. I can remember shaking during my interview.”

Rogersoperations class was the first group hired in six years after the plant start up. He said there was a surplus of operators left over from when Mississippi Power and Light Company, now Entergy, decided to stop construction on Grand Gulf after the Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident in Pennsylvania in 1979.

“It was so eerie when construction stopped,” he said. “It was almost like a ghost town. Tools were left in place. It was just like it was waiting for the workers to return.”

Rogers grew up in nearby Vicksburg, so Grand Gulf has always been home to him. His mother was one of the first female Instrument and Control technicians hired back in 1985 when the plant went into commercial operation. Rogers remembers finishing his degree in electronics and his mother encouraging him to apply for the operations job. It was a decision he said he has never regretted.

“This place has been my home for so long,” said Rogers. “I worked eighthour shifts back then for six days straight. I spent more time with my coworkers than my family, so they became my family. I’ve always had a great relationship with former and current employees.”

Rogers has held various positions in operations, maintenance and training during his tenure at Grand Gulf. He has used all that knowledge from over the years to help build the proficiency of current operators going through license classes.

“Over the last 40 years, we have taken all that operating experience and built it into procedures,” he said. “I tell my operators now, ‘just follow the procedure.’ I take a lot of pride in making operators better and feeling confident that when they are out in the plant, they have the skills and ability to run it efficiently.”

Rogers said he plans to retire in 2026, but he will always be proud of the friends he has made along the way.

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Meet the pros: Kyle Sanford /blog/meet-the-pros-kyle-sanford-2 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:45:39 +0000 /?p=13756 Kyle Sanford is an engineering supervisor and co-chair of the Waterford 3 Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging group.

From an early age, Sanford was drawn to mathematics and problem-solving which led him to a career in engineering. “I found the nature of engineering appealing because success is measured by objective results, either the design works or it doesn’t,” he explained.

Throughout his career, Sanford has often been one of a few, if not the only, Black professionals on his team. While this presented challenges,including the weight of representation and the need for heightened awareness in professional settings, he found strength in self-confidence and a commitment to mentorship. “It has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion, not just for those who share my background,but for all underrepresented groups.”

His role in the nuclear industry takes on even greater significance as he paves the way for future engineers. “Representation matters,” he said. “Being here means that younger students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, can see that a career in nuclear engineering is possible for them too.”

Since joining Waterford 3, Sanford has played a critical role in multiple engineering disciplines, including central programs engineering, systems engineering and electrical design engineering. His expertise spans across regulatory compliance, troubleshooting complex plant issues and optimizing preventative maintenance strategies to enhance reliability.

As a leader within the DIB group, Sanford is passionate about expanding outreach efforts to local schools and underserved communities. He envisions partnerships with other industries and educational institutions to create mentorship programs, site tours and academic support initiatives.

Looking ahead, Sanford sees inclusion as a defining factor in shaping the future workforce. “Younger generations prioritize diversity when choosing employers. Companies, like Entergy, that embrace these values will attract the best minds in STEM,” he said.

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Meet the pros: Kyle Sanford /blog/meet-the-pros-kyle-sanford Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:38:38 +0000 /?p=12884 Kyle Sanford is an engineering supervisor and co-chair of the Waterford 3 Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging group.

From an early age, Sanford was drawn to mathematics and problem-solving which led him to a career in engineering. “I found the nature of engineering appealing because success is measured by objective results, either the design works or it doesn’t,” he explained.

Throughout his career, Sanford has often been one of a few, if not the only, Black professionals on his team. While this presented challenges,including the weight of representation and the need for heightened awareness in professional settings, he found strength in self-confidence and a commitment to mentorship. “It has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion, not just for those who share my background,but for all underrepresented groups.”

His role in the nuclear industry takes on even greater significance as he paves the way for future engineers. “Representation matters,” he said. “Being here means that younger students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, can see that a career in nuclear engineering is possible for them too.”

Since joining Waterford 3, Sanford has played a critical role in multiple engineering disciplines, including central programs engineering, systems engineering and electrical design engineering. His expertise spans across regulatory compliance, troubleshooting complex plant issues and optimizing preventative maintenance strategies to enhance reliability.

As a leader within the DIB group, Sanford is passionate about expanding outreach efforts to local schools and underserved communities. He envisions partnerships with other industries and educational institutions to create mentorship programs, site tours and academic support initiatives.

Looking ahead, Sanford sees inclusion as a defining factor in shaping the future workforce. “Younger generations prioritize diversity when choosing employers. Companies, like Entergy, that embrace these values will attract the best minds in STEM,” he said.

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Entergy board of directors appoints new chief operating and chief nuclear officers /news/entergy-board-of-directors-appoints-new-chief-operating-and-chief-nuclear-officers Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:11:00 +0000 /blog-post/entergy-board-of-directors-appoints-new-chief-operating-and-chief-nuclear-officers/ Chief Operating Officer Pete Norgeot to retire May 1

Kimberly Cook-Nelson succeeds Norgeot and John Dinelli named chief nuclear officer

NEW ORLEANS – Entergy’s board of directors today announced the retirement of Pete Norgeot, executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective May 1.

“Pete’s contributions over the last four decades have powered not just the business and communities we serve, but also the careers and lives of those who have had the privilege to work alongside him,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy’s Chair and CEO. “His leadership, vision and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on our business and our industry, and his commitment to teamwork and collaboration with his peers will ensure a smooth transition for operations to a seasoned professional who can ensure continued operational excellence.”

Norgeot’s career has spanned nearly four decades leading company operations, power generation, commercial management and large-scale development teams in highly regulated industries. Since joining Entergy in 2014, he has driven innovation and excellence by leading teams working to identify long-term growth opportunities, business strategies for the company and innovative customer solutions.

Kimberly Cook-Nelson, 53, executive vice president and chief nuclear officer, will replace Norgeot, 60, as chief operating officer, and John Dinelli, 55, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Entergy’s nuclear operations will be promoted to executive vice president and chief nuclear officer. In this role, Dinelli will serve as a member of the office of the chief executive reporting directly to Chair and CEO Drew Marsh.

Since 2022, Cook-Nelson has had responsibility for the safe, secure and reliable operations of Entergy’s four nuclear power plants and five reactors located in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. As a member of the company’s office of the chief executive, she has also engaged in building and strengthening relationships with external stakeholders. She began her career at Entergy in 1996 as a design engineer at the Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station. She moved into plant leadership in 2001 and has held numerous leadership positions of increasing responsibility over her career.

She completed a rotational assignment at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations in 2016, where she qualified and functioned as an organizational effectiveness team leader and a corporate evaluator. She has also served as vice president of Entergy’s system planning and operations organization, providing commercial support for Entergy’s long-term resource planning.

“Kimberly has proven to be a great leader throughout her career, in both nuclear and non-nuclear roles. She has strong communications, engineering and project management skills, a laser focus on continuous improvement and a deep understanding of our business and industry, which will serve her well in the chief operating officer role,” said Marsh.

Cook-Nelson holds an MBA, a master’s degree in engineering management and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Orleans. She is also an alumnus of the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School. She was a licensed professional engineer and earned her senior reactor operator license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for Waterford 3.


John Dinelli

Succeeding Cook-Nelson as chief nuclear officer is John Dinelli. Like Cook-Nelson, Dinelli has had a long career at Entergy, starting in 1991 at the Indian Point ϳԹ Center, where he joined the company as an engineering intern. This was followed by an operations shift technical advisor role with the New York Power Authority. Dinelli then completed a loaned assignment with the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations as an organizational effectiveness lead evaluator. After completing his tenure at INPO, he worked as the site vice president for Waterford 3 and was named site vice president for ANO in 2019.

Since 2021, Dinelli has served as chief operating officer for Entergy’s nuclear business, with overall responsibility for the ANO, Grand Gulf, River Bend and Waterford 3 nuclear facilities. Prior to his current role, he served as vice president, nuclear independent oversight for the fleet. Dinelli holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Manhattan College and earned his senior reactor operator’s license in 1996.

All organizational changes are effective May 1.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more atentergy.comand connect with@Entergyon social media.

Investor inquiries:
Liz Hunter
504-576-3294
ehunte1@entergy.com

Media inquiries:
Cristina del Canto
504-576-4238
mdelcan@entergy.com

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Meet the nuclear professionals: Deon Coleman /blog/meet-the-nuclear-professionals-deon-coleman Thu, 06 Feb 2025 22:26:12 +0000 /?p=13522 Deon Coleman is the newly promoted superintendent of chemistry. He started at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Miss. 12 years ago as a co-op chemistry intern. Coleman grew up in Jefferson County, Miss. and graduated from Alcorn State University.

“Grand Gulf has been a pillar in the local community,” Coleman said. “It’s been an honor to grow up here and develop my career.”

The chemistry department is responsible for protecting the nuclear reactor. As part of his new job, Coleman provides oversight to the group and makes sure everything is managed properly. He is also excited to develop his technicians and grow their proficiency.

“I was developed as a young technician. It afforded me the opportunity to become the chemistry superintendent today,” he said. “I want to be able to pass that knowledge and opportunity down and really teach my technicians we can be part of the solution we want to see.”

As Grand Gulf approaches its 40th anniversary, Coleman said he was excited to see that the same nuclear plant that gave him his start is still around and running strong to give those same opportunities to the next generation of nuclear workers in the local community.

He also mentioned that as a fun fact, he is a proud Dallas Cowboys fan.

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2024 in retrospect /blog/2024-in-retrospect Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:22:23 +0000 /?p=13338 Amid the glad tidings this season brings, with the sound of bells ringing, children singing and wallets emptying, the most familiar sound of all is heard among dubious adults:I can’t believe it’s already December! What happened to this year?

And yet, the season also gives us time to pause, to reflect on 12 months of achievements and challenges, and to plan for fresh beginnings in the spanking-new year.

As we reminisce about the highlights of24, it’s only fitting that we spotlight some of the best and brightest moments for Entergy’s nuclear fleet.

Let’s flip some calendar pages and name a few….

InMarch, Entergy Nuclear engineeredsome exciting changesin Port Gibson, Miss.! An all-woman group of managers led Grand Gulf Nuclear Station’s engineering team—an important first! Valerie Myers is plant support manager, Tori Robinson led the design projects team and Grace Settoon managed strategic and systems engineering. Since then, in recognition of their excellent work, Robinson accepted a position as design projects manager at the corporate office in Jackson, and Settoon was selected by site leadership to serve as a consultant at the, headquartered in Atlanta.

InApril, two-thirds of Arkansas fell inside the path of totality during the historic total eclipse, causing a very brief reduction in output at the solar energy stations. Yet, due to Entergy’s diverse energy portfolio—roughlycomes from nuclear—Entergy still kept the lights shining brightfor its customers!

InJune,withtothat promises some powerful benefits! The project could increase efficiencies, lower operational costs, prevent generation losses due to equipment failures and improve the predictability of plant operations. If proved successful, Entergy will employ the model at one of its stations and potentially expand to others.

InSeptember, while the winds of Hurricane Francine howled, thanks to the diligent preparation, strong teamwork and safety-first mindset of Entergy’s nuclear professionals,their plants stayed on the grid, producing round-the-clock power for its customers. Entergy’s communities are grateful for the strength and resilience not only of nuclear power—but also of the entire team at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville, Ark.; Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Miss.; River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La., and Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La.

Later inSeptember,, a consortium of leading North American utilities that advise on the development and commercialization offluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor. Entergy’s Chief Nuclear Officer Kimberly Cook-Nelson said of the alliance, “We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play an important role in decarbonizing the U.S. energy system, and we’re pleased to be in a position to help nurture the development of new resources like KP-FHR.”

InOctober, Cook-Nelson was named among the 2024in the Profiles in Diversity Journal® magazine, which recognizes influential women who are using their talents to improve their workplace and our world. In its third-quarter issue, the journal featured Cook-Nelson’s reflections of her 28 years in the nuclear industry and her advice to never shy away from a challenge, shun the phrase “you can’t” and always remember: It’s about the people.

Also inOctober, TheEntergy Charitable Foundationawarded ato help the HBCU establish a Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab. As an expansion of the university’s cybersecurity education curriculum, the lab will serve a twofold purpose: to offer students the necessary skills and resources to learn about the industry and to help grow a workforce to meet the needs of nuclear, electric and natural gas companies. Entergy and JSU have partnered before to create the, another program in the.

Later that month, Entergy’s nuclear fleet celebrated international! The company is proud that its five reactors in four locations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi can cleanly power small towns, big cities and everywhere in between. By harnessing100% clean nuclear power, Entergy is helping to meet the growing demands of the nation’s carbon-free energy needs.

InDecember, Entergy Nuclear topped off the year with theof, Unit 1! Now, the two nuclear units at ANO generate not only a steady stream of clean, carbon-free energy but also significant positive impact in the River Valley. The station employs more than 1,000 full-time nuclear professionals who care deeply about their community. And just for good measure, let’s celebrate the contributions made by Entergy’sentirenuclear fleet! In 2024, all four nuclear stations—Arkansas Nuclear One, Grand Gulf, River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La. and Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La. — together with Entergy Nuclear headquarters in Jackson, Miss.,awarded $155,805 in grants to benefit their surrounding communities.

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A powerful serve /blog/a-powerful-serve Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:19:19 +0000 /?p=13334 We have all experienced what it means for someone to come alongside us in our time of need. To know that, in this season of good tidings the times are tough for some—some who need a tangible sign that someone cares.

That sign can look like many things—a kind word, a helping hand or an offer to share the burden of providing basic necessities.

That’s the heart of Entergy’s The Power to Care program, started almost 30 years ago as a means for employees to help support our neighbors in need—older adults or individuals with disabilities who cannot afford their utility bills.

“For an employee to say, ‘We want to raise money, and we want to do it for The Power to Care,’ it shows they care about our customers,” said Elizabeth Brister, Entergy director of corporate social responsibility “Not only does it keep customers’ lights on, but it allows them to use their money to buy groceries or to go buy medicine, because we’re helping to pay their utility bill.”

“The money we raise is an important safety net and even a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable customers.”

And while nuclear employees have always dug deep to contribute to the cause, this year’s undertaking was augmented by the efforts of a core team of employees who rallied to raise more dollars than ever before.

“I wanted to find a way this year to do something good for our community, because it directly supports our goal to make our customers more successful,” said Mike Spustack, Entergy Nuclear director of fleet projects and organizer of the event. “And then in the same vein, I wanted to try to find a way to engage people in the nuclear headquarters building, to motivate them to do something together.”

And they did it all through pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

“We’ve been doing all types of fundraisers in the operating companies for years,” said Brister.“Many raise six figures, but it took decades for them to reach that level. Mike raised over $53,000 in his pickleball tournament on the first try. If it was a baseball tournament, I would say that’s a home run.”

In fact, the tournament amounted to a grand slam once Entergy matched the funds, doubling the impact of Spustack’s efforts. Each year, The Power to Care matches all employee donations made by payroll deductions 1:1 with no cap on the amount, and matches other funds raised by customers up to $500,000.

“What Mike did is amazing,” Brister continued, “but it also says a lot about the other nuclear employees, because they’re the ones who supported his cause.”

That grassroots effort, said Spustack, was led by “dozens of unnamed individuals who were really the ones to make this event successful.”

“Of all the things we support, this cause goes straight to the heart of what we do as a company,” he said. “It helps keep our most vulnerable customers connected to life-giving power.”

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A stroke of good fortune /blog/a-stroke-of-good-fortune Tue, 17 Dec 2024 20:57:12 +0000 /?p=13293 In this season of reflection and gratitude, we pause to give thanks for co-workers, friends and family. And sometimes those co-workersareour friends and family. Such is the case of Entergy’sKristie Lowther and Rich Pierson, whose 25-year friendship means more than Christmas gifts—recently, it has meant the gift of life.  

Lowther and Pierson have formed close professional ties over the past 25 years. Originally, Lowther worked for Pierson at Pilgrim Nuclear Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which was formerly owned by Entergy, and now Pierson works for Lowther as the employee concerns specialist at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Vicksburg, Miss.

“Moving halfway across the country, from Massachusetts to Jackson, and not having much family, you end up getting closer to your family at work than you do normally,” Lowther explained.  

On Nov. 15, that longstanding relationship was put to a test. Lowther, senior manager for employee concerns and nuclear safety culture, vividly recalls the events of that day. 

“Around 11 o’clock, I got a text message from Rich, who is my direct report. I remember that the text was kind of a weird question. And also, in his text there was an upside-down question mark which, honestly, I’ve never even seen in a text message.” 

Lowther answered his question and added, “Do you need help with anything? Call me if so.” 

“I was outside the grocery store at that point,” she recalled. “I didn’t get a call from him, so I went into the store. That’s when I got another text a few minutes later, and it was all jumbled up. There were a few words that caught my eyes: experience, stoke and rhythm. And he said he needed his wife home now.” 

That’s when Lowther’s questioning attitude came into play. “I realized something didn’t sound right there,” she said. “Especially that one word—it saidstoke.Ũįį

Lowther called her team member on the spot, and when he answered the phone, he was clearly in distress. 

“I told him I would call an ambulance, but he argued with me, saying his dogs were at home and his wife was out of town. I said, ‘I will come there and take care of your dogs. I’m hanging up now and calling an ambulance.’” 

From prior visits, Lowther was able to recall his address and so she summoned an ambulance. “If he didn’t need it, he could turn him away,” she reasoned, “but I wasn’t going to take a chance.” 

Lowther then informed Pierson’s wife of the event, went to his home to check on his dogs and then headed straight to the hospital to ensure Pierson had everything he needed.

At the hospital, the doctors confirmed that Pierson had experienced not one buttwostrokes within a five-minute span, and that the cause of the strokes was an undetected underlying condition. 

Fortunately, after the second stroke, Pierson still had that first text open, and that’s how he was able to text the second time—by swiping his thumb around the keypad and hoping his boss could understand the garbled text. And she did as soon as she read that one word:stoke. 

Reflecting on Lowther’s presence of mind, Nuclear Independent Oversight DirectorGreg Hudnallsaid, “I am convinced that her keen awareness and quick actions changed the outcome for one of our co-workers. This situation serves as a reminder for why it is so important to connect with each other and pay attention to off-normal behaviors.” 

Lowther later recalled how she was able to act so quickly. “I already had all of my employees’ and spouses’ phone numbers in my phone,” she said. Additionally, she pointed out that it’s important to generally know the whereabouts of her team members. “For example, Rich works a different schedule than I work,” she explained, “so I knew when he texted that he was at home and that was where I needed to send the ambulance.” 

Hudnall agreed, saying, “Leaders should know emergency contacts and addresses for their team members without having to log in to locate the information. I think that’s something a lot of us might not be prepared for if something similar happened to one of our own. Kristie’s quick actions probably saved this person’s life. I am very proud of Kristie.” 

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