Denita Willoughby
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| Born | Denita Annette Evans
March 1, 1966 (age 58) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Anthony Willoughby |
| Children | Michael Willoughby (deceased) Ryan Willoughby |
| Parents | Dolores Evans Ronald William Evans (deceased) |
| Relatives | Ronald Evans Jr. (brother) Deana Evans (sister) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Wisconsin–Madison (BS) Harvard University (MBA) |
| Occupation | Corporate Board Director, CEO of Big Energy Group |
| Years Active | 1989-present |
Denita Annette Willoughby (née Evans; born March 1, 1966) is an American business executive who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Big Energy Group, a consulting firm based in Los Angeles County, California.[1]
Early Life and Education
Willoughby was raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1988 and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1994.[2]
Career
Early Career
Willoughby began her professional career at IBM as a marketing representative from 1989 to 1992. After completing her MBA, she worked at Morgan Stanley as an account executive for Private Client Services.[3]
AT&T (1995–2011)
Willoughby held multiple leadership roles at AT&T and its predecessor organizations. She led regional sales teams, managed budgets, and played a role in launching the U-Verse platform in the Los Angeles market.[4]
Sempra Energy (2012–2021)
From 2012 to 2021, Willoughby held executive roles at Sempra Energy and its subsidiaries, including Southern California Gas Company and San Diego Gas & Electric. She oversaw external affairs, supply chain logistics, and operations, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Aliso Canyon gas leak.[5][6]
Big Energy Group (2021–Present)
Willoughby became CEO of Big Energy Group in 2021. The firm offers consulting in business strategy and development. She has worked with clients including Avantus, DirecTV, and Vision to Learn. Notable projects include workforce training programs and a hydrogen strategy for renewable energy initiatives.[7]
Board Memberships
Willoughby serves on the boards of Network Wireless Solutions,[8] Farmers Insurance Exchange Subsidiaries, Vision to Learn,[9] and the Green Hydrogen Coalition.[10] In 2020, she became the first African American woman Board Chair of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.[11]
Community Involvement
Willoughby has supported nonprofit organizations including Vision to Learn and UNITE-LA. She has been involved in educational equity initiatives, including support for Linked Learning programs in Los Angeles.
Awards and Recognition
- 2017: Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Wisconsin–Madison[12]
- 2021: Proven Achiever Award, KJLH Radio Station
- One of the “Most Powerful and Influential Women in California” by California Diversity Magazine[13]
Personal Life
Willoughby is married to Anthony Willoughby, an attorney, and lives in Los Angeles. They have two children. She is active in fitness and wellness, practices yoga, follows a pescatarian diet, and has a strong interest in travel and outdoor activities.
References
- ↑ Lotlikar, Sarina (2017-10-11). "Career Path Presentation and Q&A Panel by Denita Willoughby". Inclusive Excellence. https://diversity.wisc.edu/2017/10/career-path-presentation-and-qa-panel-by-denita-willoughby/
- ↑ Mama, M. B. A. (2016-03-08). "HBS MBA Mama Denita Willoughby Talks About Her Career In The Energy Sector and The 'Perfect' Time...". MBA Mama Blog. https://medium.com/mba-mama-blog/hbs-mba-mama-denita-willoughby-talks-about-her-career-in-the-energy-sector-and-the-perfect-time-ce1b0714fa48
- ↑ Doucette, John (2022-11-10). "Denita Willoughby Appointed to the Grain Management-backed Network Wireless Solutions". NWS. https://nwsnext.com/blog/denita-willoughby-appointed-to-the-grain-management-backed-network-wireless-solutions/
- ↑ "DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOKNAWBO CA Propel The Business Conference of Small Change for Extraordinary Gains". Brojure. https://brojure.com/nawboca/nawbo-ca-propel-the-business-conference-of-small-change-for-extraordinary-gains/a/123859/denita-willoughby-vp-of-supply-management-for-socalgas-and-sdge
- ↑ "Denita A Willoughby". Women in Green Hydrogen. https://women-in-green-hydrogen.net/denita-a-willoughby/
- ↑ Duffie, Mischa (2019-12-25). "Denita Willoughby becomes the First African American Woman Board Chair of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce". Suite Life SoCal. https://www.suitelifesocal.com/categories/magazine/exec-suite/denita-willoughby-becomes-the-first-african-american-woman-board-chair-of-the-los-angeles-area-chamber-of-commerce
- ↑ Lotlikar, Sarina (2017-10-11). "Career Path Presentation and Q&A Panel by Denita Willoughby". Inclusive Excellence.
- ↑ Doucette, John (2022-11-10). "Denita Willoughby Appointed to the Grain Management-backed Network Wireless Solutions". NWS.
- ↑ "Leadership". Vision to Learn. https://visiontolearn.org/about/leadership/
- ↑ "Denita Willoughby: Board Member". Green Hydrogen Coalition. https://women-in-green-hydrogen.net/denita-a-willoughby/
- ↑ "Inaugural Dinner | Jan. 30, 2020". lachamber.com. https://lachamber.com/events/inaugural-dinner-honorees-speakers/
- ↑ "Denita Willoughby: 2017 Distinguished Achievement Award recipient". University of Wisconsin–Madison. https://engineering.wisc.edu/news/denita-willoughby-2017-distinguished-achievement-award-recipient/
- ↑ Prosser, Melissa. “Denita Willoughby Appointed to the Board of Grain Management-Backed Network Wireless Solutions (NWS).” Grain GP, 8 May 2024, graingp.com/news/denita-willoughby-appointed-to-the-board-of-grain-management-backed-network-wireless-solutions-nws/. Accessed 02 May 2025. .
External links
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