Duke Energy Florida Names Gaylen Holloway to Boost Community Engagement

Ocala, Florida, USA - Duke Energy Florida has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of Gaylen Holloway as the new North Coastal government and community relations manager. Holloway, a Florida native from Ocala, is enthusiastic about expanding her role within the community and is keen to address the needs of North Coastal residents. In her new position, she will be the face of Duke Energy in counties including Alachua, Citrus, Hernando, Levy, Marion, and Sumter, representing nearly 172,000 customers.

Sharon Arroyo, Duke Energy Florida’s Vice President of government and community relations, expressed that Holloway’s background and skills will be invaluable in maintaining effective communication with local leaders. Holloway brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Director of Member Insights and Engagement at the National Corn Growers Association, along with her work as a legislative coordinator in the University of Florida’s Office of Government and Community Relations. Notably, she is also a distinguished alumna of the University of Florida, where she was recognized as a J. Wayne Reitz Scholar and inducted into the UF Hall of Fame.

A Focus on Community Engagement

In her role, Holloway is set to foster relationships with elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders, providing a much-needed link between Duke Energy and the communities it serves. Her prior experience in economic development aligns well with the company’s broader goals, highlighting the importance of community engagement.

The recent hire of Staci Bertrand in a similar capacity further underscores Duke Energy’s commitment to community relations. Bertrand, who served as vice president of economic development at the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, comes with over a decade of experience and a strong educational background, including an MBA from Florida International University. She also balances her professional life with being a dedicated mother to four sons and actively participates in various community initiatives such as CareerSource North Central Florida and Life Transition Skills, a nonprofit started by her late husband.

Supporting Economic Growth

Duke Energy’s growth in Florida isn’t just confined to community relations; it also plays a vital role in economic development across the state. According to Duke Energy, the company has made substantial contributions to the economy through its various programs during National Economic Development Week, celebrated annually from May 12-16.

Since 2020, Duke Energy’s Economic Development team has helped attract or expand 57 companies in Florida, resulting in the creation of over 6,691 jobs and more than $2 billion in capital investment. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the company has been recognized by Site Selection Magazine for 21 consecutive years.

Key initiatives like the Site Readiness Program have been particularly fruitful, identifying high-potential development sites and resulting in 1,650 new jobs along with more than $545 million in investment since 2013. Additionally, Duke Energy has provided over $890,000 in grants aimed at marketing, research, and strategic planning in 2024 alone, emphasizing their commitment to bolstering Florida’s economic landscape.

As Duke Energy continues to expand its presence and influence in Florida, the appointment of leaders like Holloway and Bertrand signals a proactive approach toward addressing community needs while fostering economic growth. With a strong commitment to energy transition and infrastructure upgrades, Duke Energy is well-positioned to lead the way into a brighter, more sustainable future for Florida’s communities.