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Consumers Energy Enhances Leadership for Better Service

Consumers Energy, the largest energy provider in Michigan, has announced significant leadership changes aimed at enhancing service and reliability for its vast customer base. The company will appoint Norm Kapala as the Vice President of Grid Operations Restoration and Work Management, and Steve Champine will take on the role of Vice President of Gas Operations. These changes will take effect on October 1.

Tonya Berry, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Consumers Energy, expressed her confidence in the new appointments, stating that both Kapala and Champine bring extensive experience and proven leadership to their roles. “I’m pleased to share we are bolstering our leadership in both gas and electric with these two experienced, proven leaders who will continue our commitment to serve Michigan with reliable and dependable energy,” Berry remarked.

Background of Leadership Changes

Norm Kapala

Norm Kapala, who joined Consumers Energy in 2008, has a well-established background in energy operations. His journey in the energy sector began as an engineer in generation operations. With time, he rose through various leadership roles, including his most recent position as Vice President of Gas Operations. Kapala is equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Management from Kettering University. His military background includes service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Navy Reserve, providing him with discipline and leadership skills essential for his new role.

Tonya Berry further emphasized Kapala’s capabilities, stating, “Norm’s strong and steady leadership and enterprise-wide experience will ensure our entire team is prepared, safe, and focused on serving and restoring customers in all conditions.”

Steve Champine

Steve Champine has been with Consumers for two decades, gradually building his career within the energy industry. His most recent position as Senior Executive Director of Gas Operations involved overseeing vital aspects of gas transmission, storage, compression, and construction. Champine has earned a reputation for his influential leadership, particularly in advancing Consumers Energy’s goals towards net-zero methane emissions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering Technology from Ferris State University and an MBA from Northwood University.

“Steve’s influential leadership has been critical in advancing our net-zero methane goals, while strengthening unions partnerships and redefining our gas strategy,” Berry noted.

Consumers Energy's Commitment to Michigan

With these leadership transitions, Consumers Energy continues to affirm its commitment to delivering reliable energy solutions to its customers. The company serves approximately 6.8 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties, proving its critical role in Michigan’s energy landscape.

By focusing on operational excellence and fostering leadership that aligns with their strategic vision, Consumers Energy aims to enhance the experience and reliability of service for all its customers. The appointments of Kapala and Champine come at a time when robust leadership is crucial to navigating the evolving demands of the energy industry.

In conclusion, these leadership changes at Consumers Energy signify an important step towards sustaining and enhancing the reliability of energy service in Michigan, which will ultimately benefit millions of residents throughout the state.