Speakers

Dr. Sumesh Arora leads efforts to strengthen the utility workforce by developing strategic programs and partnerships with K–16 institutions, nonprofits, and government and industry stakeholders. His work focuses on seeking, preparing, and attracting highly qualified candidates to support Entergy's goal of becoming a premier utility. With more than three decades of experience in the energy and chemical industries, Sumesh previously served as director of Mississippi's state energy office and as vice president of Innovate Mississippi, where he led a U.S. Department of Energy–funded cleantech commercialization program. His expertise spans innovation strategy, entrepreneurship, education, and energy policy and security. Sumesh has testified before the U.S. Senate in support of clean energy R&D and was appointed by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry to the DOE State Energy Advisory Board. He has authored more than 130 publications and presentations, three book chapters, and two patents.