NEW ORLEANS — Kenneth Polite, who was the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana until he resigned on March 24, will now head an ethics office with Entergy, a private sector energy company.
Entergy, which serves more than 1 million customers in New Orleans, confirmed Polite had accepted an employment offer to serve as vice president of the company's legal, ethics and compliance department. The company also has operations in Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.
“Kenneth Polite has a highly respected background in upholding and enhancing high standards for ethical behavior along with a serious commitment to complying with laws and regulations, much like Entergy,” Kay Jones, senior communications specialist for Entergy’s media relations department, told the Louisiana Record.
She said company officials were eager to have Polite on board.
“His superior legal acumen, experience leading people and his personal commitment to local communities make him a great addition to our team,” she said.
Jones said the department Polite will oversee has a strong impact on the company’s decision-making process.
“The department implements Entergy’s program to promote ethical conduct and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, including Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations,” she said. “The vice president of ethics and compliance serves as the company’s chief compliance officer and as a member of the corporate compliance committee.”
Polite said in a statement that the district office will continue to meet the high standards he demanded while he was in the top leadership position.
“It has been the highest honor to lead this office’s outstanding employees, who are committed to the ideals of collegiality, diligence and professionalism,” he said. “I am confident that these public servants will continue to ensure that justice reaches out to all residents of this region.”
Polite’s tenure included an increase in the number of prosecutors handling violent crimes, the establishment of its area's first public integrity unit and the strengthening of its national security unit, according to the office’s website.
Duane A. Evans was named the acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District on March 11 and will serve in that position until President Donald J. Trump makes an official appointment.