NRG People Power: Get to Know Donell Kinnard

Welcome back to our People Power series, where we believe that understanding the people behind our products is what turns transactions into meaningful interactions. In this edition, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on relationship-superstar and recent award winner Donell Kinnard.

Ambitious, professional, and warmly outgoing, Donell Kinnard has rapidly become a trusted partner to colleagues and external sales contacts since joining NRG in 2019. This highly motivated Business Development Representative pronounces his name DON-ell, and that’s become a name to know within the NRG Business community since capturing the prestigious Rookie of the Year award at the recent NRG President's Club awards. The awards are an annual internal recognition program honoring the top-performing sales and sales/customer support personnel across NRG’s Commercial & Industrial energy supply business.

Donell's approach to his role is more than expanding his network. For him, it’s about nurturing genuine connections with NRG’s sales partners so together they can better serve customers. Whether he's onboarding new broker firms to work with NRG, collaborating with existing broker contacts to build the best energy plan for customers, or educating the sales community on new offerings and opportunities, Donell is always focused on how to make his relationships prosper. He’s building a community, one connection at a time.

A typical day for Donell is a masterclass in efficiency, with his time divided between supporting his community of sales partners, and keeping abreast of the energy markets. He sees himself as a guide to help channel associates stay apprised of market changes that could impact the products, pricing, or terms they’re presenting to customers — so they can better support their clients. This approach transforms the traditional sales dynamic and sets a precedent for mutual growth and success. Nowhere is that mutual success more apparent than in Donell’s prestigious achievement of hitting a new annual high sales target in 2023.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Donell had a dream of moving to Houston, Texas. When he was in high school, his older sister accepted a job there, specifically so that he could join her and live that dream. With only a trunk of clothes, Donell began an ambitious journey, facilitated by the unwavering support of his family.

While attending the University of Houston, Donell flourished in the diverse campus environment, pursuing a degree in supply chain logistics with an emphasis on global trading. He knew he wanted a future in a high-stakes, fast-paced corporate setting. From his first professional job in sales and marketing at a large oil company, to forays in the hospitality and medical industries, he eventually landed at NRG as a commercial energy analyst. Through all these roles, he learned how to meet people where they are, stay positive, and support customers with confidence and grace.

The core of Donell's professional ethic traces back directly to his family. His older sister's sacrifice to move to Houston was a pivotal moment, enabling him to chase his dreams. His parents instilled in him a deep sense of self-confidence, while his twin brother and other sister, leaders in their respective fields, exemplify the Kinnard spirit of perseverance and ambition. "The Kinnards are not quitters" is Donell’s daily mantra, reflecting the values his parents modeled for him. He carries that legacy with pride.

True to those roots, Donell is a dedicated family man. It’s an unusual day if he doesn’t speak to his family, and he loves to travel with them. His favorite destinations, Costa Mujeres in Mexico, and Columbia’s historic Cartagena, reflect his adventurous spirit and belief in the importance of experiencing the world. "Having some wonder in life is important," he says, encouraging others to dive into new experiences, cultures, and cuisines.

When he's not exploring new destinations or Houston’s diverse food scene, Donell dedicates his free time to his fiancée and her son, embracing the role of stepdad by being a supportive presence at many youth league games. His love for sports also extends to cheering for his hometown Memphis Grizzlies, and appreciating any underdog team that demonstrates sportsmanship and good energy.

It’s clear that building strong relationships and maintaining a high level of integrity have played a key role in Donell’s achievements. He also attributes his success to the inspiration and enablement he’s received from his leadership team, which includes NRG Sales Director, Cyndy Reynolds, and VP of West Sales, Tracy Ross, whose dynamic collaboration he describes as a “power punch.” Additionally, the independence and courage instilled in him by his mentor and manager, Adam Kainer, has been instrumental in shaping his approach to work. As he stepped into his role at NRG, it became clear to him that he was among a community of individuals who support, inspire, and challenge each other to achieve success. He’s proud to be a part of that and contribute to the next generation of ambitious young movers and shakers like himself … just like family.