Duke Energy announced that it is promoting Melissa Seixas to serve as President of Duke Energy Florida.

The Florida utility company, a subsidiary of Duke Energy headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, announced the move to elevate Seixas, who currently serves as the company’s current vice president of government and community relations. Seixas will succeed Catherine Stempien, who is leaving at the end of the month to become president and CEO of Avangrid.

“Melissa’s many years of experience with the company have prepared her well for this important role,” said Doug Esamann, executive vice president of energy solutions, president of Midwest and Florida Regions and natural gas business unit. “She is well-known throughout our Florida communities and will build on the great progress the team has already accomplished. She will continue to advocate for policies and practices that meet the energy needs of our customers to ensure we deliver the safe and reliable service they expect and deserve.”

In her new role, Seixas will work alongside customers, employees, and policymakers to advance the company’s clean energy vision for the Sunshine State. Seixas will also oversee the subsidiary’s “Clean Energy Connection Program,” which will see the utility build 10 74.9-megawatt solar plants across the state. The plan is part of a $1 billion investment made by Duke Energy to bolster Florida’s solar grid, with the first plant coming online in January 2022.

Seixas first joined Florida Power (which later became Progress Energy and then Duke Energy) in distribution engineering in 1986. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American history from Eckerd College and a master’s degree in American history from the University of South Florida. Over her 34-year career with the company, she has served in numerous roles with increasing leadership responsibilities.

“We’re excited to have Melissa as the new state president as our company continues its clean energy transformation journey, and we deeply appreciate Catherine’s leadership and contributions to our company. We wish her all the best,” Esamann continued.

Seixas will officially take over the reins at Duke Energy Florida on Feb. 16.