Delta Solar names Niebaum as new president

Delta Solar has named Katie Laning Niebaum as its new president.

She is the former executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association.

Niebaum will oversee operations of the solar firm which serves agricultural and commercial clients. She brings more than 15 years of strategic communications, public affairs and management expertise from her leadership roles on Capitol Hill and within state and national business trade associations.

“Katie has an impressive background in leadership,” said Bob East, chairman of Delta Solar. “Katie’s experience as executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association provided her with a unique understanding of the solar industry in Arkansas, and this knowledge will be a unique benefit to our clients.”

“Since 2017, Delta Solar has partnered with farmers and business owners across Arkansas to generate highly predictable, long-term returns on their solar investment,” said Douglas Hutchings, Ph.D., CEO of Delta Solar. “Getting the right people in place is critical to not only build a strong business but to have a lasting positive impact on the state, industry and communities that we greatly value. We are excited to bring the benefits of solar power to even more Arkansans with Katie helping to lead our dedicated team.”

Niebaum has held previous roles with the National Restaurant Association and she served as communications director for U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark. A Little Rock native, she is a graduate of Little Rock Central High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia.