DTE Energy Welcomes Brenda Craig as New Chief Communications Officer

In a significant move, DTE Energy has announced the appointment of Brenda Craig as its new Chief Communications Officer, effective from October 30. Craig takes over the position from Paula Silver, who is retiring after a remarkable career characterized by significant achievements in corporate communications and community engagement.

Paula Silver has been with DTE Energy for the past decade, during which she established a globally recognized communications team. Silver played an integral role in transforming how DTE communicates with its stakeholders, enhancing the channels of two-way communication with employees, customers, and the larger community. Her leadership has set a benchmark within the company for maintaining transparency and engagement, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.

Brenda Craig’s Background
Before joining DTE Energy, Brenda Craig served as the Vice President of Integrated Communications at Henry Ford Health. In this capacity, she developed comprehensive communication and public relations strategies for a large health system that serves over two million patients annually. Her extensive experience is marked by a commitment to effective communication in high-pressure environments, ensuring that all stakeholders receive timely and relevant information.

Quotes from Company Leaders
DTE President and CEO Joi Harris expressed gratitude towards Paula Silver, noting, “From keeping customers informed and supported during the pandemic to inspiring our team members to give their best energy to their work, I will personally miss Paula's leadership and friendship over these last years.” Harris further emphasized that Brenda shares the company’s passion for service and is expected to strengthen connections among customers, communities, and team members.

In her own words, Brenda Craig stated, “Like healthcare, energy is an essential component in building strong, healthy communities and helping people live their best lives,” highlighting the critical role energy plays in quality of life. She noted that the energy industry is undergoing rapid transformation and expressed her enthusiasm to join DTE at this pivotal moment, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to providing safe and affordable energy throughout Michigan.

Leadership Transition in the DTE Foundation
Coinciding with Silver’s retirement, Evette Hollins will succeed her as the executive leader overseeing the DTE Foundation and corporate citizenship initiatives. This initiative aims to further strengthen DTE's impact on local communities, enhancing the foundation's role in creating positive changes across Michigan.

Reflecting on Achievements
During her tenure, Paula Silver described her time at DTE as a fulfilling conclusion to her 40 years in the communications industry, expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts of her team and the support from company leadership. “The past 10 years have been the perfect capstone for my career. I have had the fortune to lead an amazing team of communications professionals focused on taking care of our customers and communities,” she stated, underscoring the mission-driven nature of the work at DTE.

About DTE Energy
As a leading energy company based in Detroit, DTE Energy operates various energy-related businesses across the nation, serving over 2.3 million customers with its electric services and 1.3 million through its natural gas utilities. DTE Energy is committed to progressing towards aggressive carbon reduction goals and demonstrating responsibility through volunteer initiatives, educational programs, community engagement, and philanthropic contributions.

For more details about DTE Energy and its leadership, visit their official website at dteenergy.com.