Barbara Sugg

President & CEO, Southwest Power Pool

About me: Originally from Louisiana, I’ve been a proud Arkansan since 1997. In my role as SPP president and CEO, I work with electric utilities across 17 states to keep the lights on for millions of people. Serving people is what drives me. In addition to my career at SPP, I’m an executive coach. I love helping people develop their leadership potential and navigate the complex corporate landscape. 

As a volunteer and/or board member for Arkansas Hospice, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other charitable organizations, I’m proud to make a difference in the lives of other people. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren, and ensuring Tank the Wonder Dog (my spoiled labrador) gets sufficient praise and attention.

Lives/Works in: Little Rock

Best Career Advice: Know what you don’t know. You don’t have to know everything, but you must inventory your knowledge gaps. Ask questions, be open to possibilities and ask people, “What am I missing?” Ensure all your bases are covered by having colleagues who can fill in your blanks.

Lesson Learned the Hard Way: Be open to what others see in you that you may not see in yourself. If not for being pushed out of my comfort zone early in my career, I would not be where I am today. 

Proudest Moment of Impact: Volunteering with the Women Run Arkansas organization afforded me the opportunity to support other women in achieving their goals. Sharing tears of joy as these amazing women crossed the finish line, year after year, brought me immense pride. Helping people train for and ultimately accomplish things they only dreamed of is so impactful.

Call to Action: Serving on the board of Arkansas Hospice, I’ve learned there are common misconceptions about how our organization can help. I wish people knew hospice is not about dying, but rather, it's about living. We care for patients and families during the most difficult time to ensure quality and comfort as the end of one’s life is near. We also continue to support the family long after their loved one has passed away.

TOP 100 WOMEN OF IMPACT IN ARKANSAS 2023
A Women's Foundation of Arkansas Initiative