Inside Laura Landreaux’s Vision for Modern Arkansas Energy
Introduction
In Arkansas’s evolving energy sector, few figures have emerged as influential and forward-thinking as Laura Landreaux, President and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. Blending legal expertise, financial insight, and a commitment to public service, she stands at the forefront of one of the state’s most essential industries, power generation and electric service. Her career reflects a steady ascent built on technical skill, collaborative leadership, and deep roots in her home state. As one of Arkansas’s notable business leaders, Landreaux continues to shape how communities across the region access, understand, and benefit from modern energy systems.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Laura Landreaux’s career path began with a strong academic foundation. She attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts before continuing to the University of Arkansas School of Law. During law school, she distinguished herself as a member of the Arkansas Law Review, demonstrating an early inclination toward analytical thinking and disciplined research.
This dual background, grounded in the humanities and refined through legal training, equipped her with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while communicating clearly with both policymakers and the public. It was a combination that would later serve as a cornerstone of her leadership style within the energy sector.
Quick Facts: Laura Landreaux
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura R. Landreaux |
| Current Role | President & CEO, Entergy Arkansas |
| Education | B.A. and J.D., University of Arkansas |
| Early Career | Energy law practice in Phoenix, Arizona; Attorney at Salt River Project |
| Entergy Arkansas Tenure | Joined 2007; CEO since July 2018 |
| Key Leadership Focus | Grid modernization, renewable energy, system resilience, customer affordability |
| Awards & Honors | Woman of the Year in Business (2019), Arkansan of the Year (2020), Chamber Chair (2025) |
| Community Involvement | Easterseals Arkansas (Board), Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce (Vice Chair → Chair) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$2 million (2025) |
| Family | Married, three children; resides in Little Rock, Arkansas |
Early Legal Career in Arizona
Before returning to Arkansas, Landreaux began her professional journey in Phoenix, Arizona, practicing energy law in both private and public settings. She worked first at Quarles & Brady, gaining experience in legal strategy, corporate representation, and the intricacies of utility regulation.
She later joined Salt River Project (SRP), one of the nation’s largest public utilities, further strengthening her understanding of energy policy, resource planning, and customer-focused operations. These early roles offered a broad perspective on the legal, technical, and regulatory challenges inherent to the industry, preparing her for more expansive responsibilities back home.
Joining Entergy Arkansas: Growth Through Expertise
When Landreaux returned to Arkansas in 2007, she joined Entergy Arkansas as a regulatory attorney. Over the next decade, she rose through the company in positions that spanned both regulatory affairs and financial leadership. Her career progression demonstrates both her versatility and her ability to navigate the intersections of compliance, strategy, and operational performance.
Career Timeline at Entergy Arkansas:
| Years | Position | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 – 2012 | Senior Counsel (Regulatory Attorney) | Focused on regulatory law and managing the company’s relationship with state commissions. |
| 2012 – 2014 | Manager, Regulatory Affairs | Expanded role engaging with the Arkansas Public Service Commission and shaping regulatory strategy. |
| 2014–2018 | Vice President, Regulatory Affairs | Led all regulatory operations, balancing company needs with customer interests and public policy. |
| Nov 2017 – Jun 2018 | Finance Director | Oversaw finances, reporting, and long-term planning, broadening her strategic influence. |
| July 2018 – present | President & CEO | Serves as the top executive of Entergy Arkansas, responsible for major investments, customer service, and grid reliability. |
Her ascent underscores an approach grounded in analytical rigor and adaptability, qualities that continue to define her leadership today.
Leadership Philosophy: Balancing Innovation, Reliability, and People
Laura Landreaux’s leadership style is often described as forward-looking, collaborative, and grounded in practical problem-solving. Her public statements reflect a commitment to balancing three priorities:
1. Modernization and Innovation
Upon taking the CEO position, she emphasized integrating her experience in regulatory affairs and finance to help Entergy make future-focused investments in the grid. She consistently highlights the need to update technology while ensuring affordability for customers.
2. Reliability and System Resilience
Landreaux is vocal about building a stronger, more resilient energy system, especially in the face of severe weather, which frequently affects Arkansas. After major storms, she has reiterated the company’s commitment to “build back stronger,” using sturdier poles, improved designs, and modernized infrastructure to make power restoration safer and faster.
3. Empowerment and Inclusive Culture
Internally, Landreaux advances mentorship, diversity, and employee development. As chair of Entergy’s Women’s Leadership Council, she has promoted mentorship programs and encouraged collaborative environments that elevate diverse perspectives. Her philosophy positions employees as a central driving force behind Entergy’s performance and progress.
Impact and Achievements
Throughout her career, Landreaux has been recognized by several Arkansas and regional organizations for her contributions to business, community service, and industry leadership.
Key Awards and Honors
2019: Woman of the Year in Business – Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
2020: Arkansan of the Year – Easterseals Arkansas
2025: Elected Chairman of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
She has also been featured among Arkansas’s top business influencers, including recognition in Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Influencers of the Year” (2024). In addition, she has chaired prominent community and industry events, such as the Junior Achievement Legacy Luncheon.
These achievements highlight her role not only as a corporate leader but also as a civic figure engaged in the state’s economic and social development.
Media Presence and Public Engagement
As the head of a major utility, Landreaux is a frequent voice in public discussions about energy, infrastructure, and community preparedness. Her media presence reflects a blend of technical expertise and accessibility, often addressing how the utility is preparing for future demands.
Notable Coverage
July 2018: Talk Business & Politics profiled her as Entergy Arkansas’s new CEO, exploring her vision for modernizing the grid.
July 2024: Quoted in Arkansas Business/White River Now, discussing plans to retire coal units and increase renewable energy, emphasizing that future power sources would include significant solar investment.
Feb 2024: Featured on KAIT news discussing storm preparedness and the company’s system-hardening efforts.
Jan 2025: Recognized in Talk Business & Politics for becoming Chair of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
Through these appearances, Landreaux has consistently communicated Entergy’s focus on sustainability, resilience, and community partnership.
Role as CEO of Entergy Arkansas
In her current position, Laura Landreaux oversees one of the state’s key utility providers. Entergy Arkansas serves approximately 735,000 customers across 63 counties, making it a central player in the state’s economy and daily life.
In her capacity as President and CEO, Laura Landreaux carries responsibility for every major facet of Entergy Arkansas’s operations. She ensures that the company delivers reliable, affordable electricity to customers statewide while guiding the daily functions of a complex, high-demand utility system. Central to her leadership is a strategic focus on renewable energy and long-term resource planning, allowing the company to modernize its generation mix and strengthen the resilience of the grid.
Landreaux also oversees customer service, safety initiatives, and workforce development, areas she views as essential to maintaining both operational excellence and public trust. Her role requires continual collaboration with regulators, legislators, and industry leaders, enabling Entergy Arkansas to navigate evolving policies and remain aligned with Entergy Corporation’s broader corporate strategy.
Net Worth and Compensation
As of early 2025, Laura Landreaux’s personal net worth is estimated at around $2 million. While the precise details remain private, the figure aligns with her steady rise and long-standing leadership within the energy industry. Public filings provide only a partial window into her financial profile, noting that her total compensation as Entergy Arkansas CEO in fiscal year 2024 was approximately $1.48 million. This included a $425,000 base salary complemented by bonuses, stock awards, and other incentive-based earnings.
These numbers offer context but not certainty. Compensation figures represent professional income, whereas true net worth reflects a broader blend of assets, investments, and liabilities, elements that are not publicly disclosed.
Personal Life
Although her professional role places her in the public spotlight, Laura Landreaux remains intentionally private about her personal life. She is married, the mother of three children, and resides in Little Rock, a grounding connection that reflects her long-standing ties to Arkansas. Those ties extend naturally into her civic work. Landreaux contributes to several statewide organizations, including Easterseals Arkansas, where she serves on the board, and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, where she has progressed from vice chair to chair.
Contributions to Arkansas’s Energy Future
Laura Landreaux’s leadership arrives at a pivotal point for the energy sector, as utilities nationwide transition away from coal, confront the realities of severe weather, and expand their investment in renewable resources. She has guided Entergy Arkansas through these shifts with a measured, strategic approach, advocating for modernized grid systems, balanced long-term energy planning, and customer initiatives designed to keep power both affordable and efficient.
Her leadership style brings together deep regulatory knowledge, strong financial judgment, and a collaborative, forward-looking outlook. These qualities continue to shape a more resilient and innovative trajectory for Entergy Arkansas, one that supports the state’s economic momentum while meeting the evolving expectations of today’s energy consumers.
Conclusion
Laura Landreaux’s career is marked by steady advancement, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to Arkansas. From her early legal work in Arizona to her role as President and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, she has built a reputation as a pragmatic, forward-thinking executive who values reliability, innovation, and community partnership. As the state navigates new energy challenges, ranging from renewable expansion to resilience against severe weather her leadership stands as a defining force in shaping Arkansas’s energy landscape for years to come.
FAQs About Laura Landreaux
1. Who is Laura Landreaux?
Laura Landreaux is the President and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, overseeing operations that serve more than 735,000 customers across the state.
2. What is her background?
Landreaux holds a B.A. from the University of Arkansas and a J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law. Before joining Entergy, she practiced energy law in Arizona.
3. When did she become CEO of Entergy Arkansas?
She was appointed President and CEO in July 2018, becoming the company’s top executive.
4. What has been her biggest focus as CEO?
Her leadership emphasizes grid modernization, system resilience, renewable expansion, and customer affordability.
5. What is Laura Landreaux’s estimated net worth?
As of early 2025, her estimated net worth is around $2 million, although exact details remain private.
6. Is she involved in community organizations?
Yes. She serves on the Easterseals Arkansas board and has held leadership roles at the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
7. What awards has she received?
Her honors include Woman of the Year in Business (2019) and Arkansan of the Year (2020), along with multiple industry recognitions.
