Lynn Good has been named the 2025 Citizen of the Carolinas by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (CLT Alliance). The announcement was made during the CLT Alliance’s Annual Leadership Summit before an audience of top business executives in the Charlotte Region. The award is the highest honor given by the CLT Alliance.
Good is the former chair and CEO of Duke Energy Corporation, one of the nation’s largest utility companies. Good led the Fortune 150 company through a transformative era, redefining the customer experience, simplifying its portfolio to deliver value to customers and shareholders, and setting a long-term strategy to invest in critical infrastructure in a way that supports growth and economic development while reducing carbon emissions.
Upon hearing of her selection, Good said, “I am honored to receive the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Citizen of the Carolinas Award. This recognition represents the hard work of 26,000 Duke Energy teammates and their commitment to excellence and the communities we’re fortunate to serve. After nearly two decades in Charlotte, I take great pride in supporting the growth and vitality that continues to shape this city and look forward to helping this region thrive for many years to come.”
Before becoming CEO in 2013, Good served as Duke Energy’s chief financial officer and earlier led the company’s commercial energy businesses during its initial development of renewable energy projects. She began her utility career in 2003 with Cincinnati-based Cinergy, which merged with Duke Energy three years later. Prior to 2003, she was a partner at two international accounting firms, including a long career with Arthur Andersen.
Birthed out of one of the former Charlotte Chamber’s inter-city visits, Good co-founded and served as the first chair of the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council. The CELC is a coalition of more than 30 local CEOs focused on improving economic mobility, education, and workforce pipelines.
Good was consistently recognized among the most influential women in business. Forbes listed her among “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women,” and Fortune ranked her 23rd among the “Most Powerful Women in Business.”
Under Good’s leadership, Duke Energy’s foundation has become one of the city’s largest corporate donors.
“Lynn J. Good exemplifies the spirit of the Citizen of the Carolinas Award through her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to sustainability, and deep-rooted dedication to our community,” said Robert McCutcheon, CLT Alliance President & CEO. “Her contributions have not only advanced the energy sector but have also positively impacted the lives of countless individuals across our region. We are honored to recognize her as a true champion of the Carolinas.”
“Lynn Good’s leadership has been a guiding force not only for Duke Energy but for the entire Charlotte Region,” CLT Alliance Board Chair David Longo said. “Her strategic vision, commitment to innovation, and steadfast dedication to community engagement embody the values we celebrate with the Citizen of the Carolinas Award. Lynn’s legacy is one of progress and purpose, and we are proud to honor her contributions to shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for our region.”
The CLT Alliance will present the Citizen of the Carolinas Award to Good at the upcoming CLT Alliance Annual Outlook on Dec. 2, 2025.
