Daniel F. Packer is president and chief executive officer of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. He is responsible for that utility company's electric distribution system, customer service, economic development, regulatory affairs, and governmental affairs, as well as the company's financial performance.

Packer joined Entergy in 1982 as the Waterford 3 Nuclear Plant training manager. He later served as Waterford 's plant manager, becoming the first African American in the United States to manage a nuclear plant. Under Packer's leadership, the plant received the highest ratings in the region. He was named Entergy New Orleans president in 1996 and was named CEO of Entergy New Orleans in 1998.

Packer's dedication to the people of New Orleans goes far beyond his job. He is active in civic, social service, and business groups and has recently been named chairman of the New Orleans Aviation Board for the Louis Armstrong International Airport . Packer also serves on the board of the National Football League Youth Education Town and is chairman of the capital campaign of the Dryades YMCA.

In 2001, Packer held the position of Chairman of the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce, the first African American to hold that title. Packer serves as a board member or advisory board member of several organizations, such as the New Orleans Metro Area United Way campaign, Foundation for Children Charities, The Audubon Institute, the University of New Orleans Business of Higher Education Council, Keystone Energy Board, Louisiana Community & Technical College System, and the College Fund/UNCF. He also is a former national chairman of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, which focuses on energy-related issues in America.

Prior to joining Entergy, Packer was a senior engineer with General Physics Corporation. He also worked for six years as training coordinator with Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company (a northeast utilities company). He served in the U.S. Nuclear Navy Program from 1969 to 1975.

Packer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business studies from Charter Oak College and a master of business administration degree from Tulane University . He is also licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a senior reactor operator.

Mr. Packer was appointed on February 11, 2004 and his service end date is July 1, 2009.