CMS Energy Welcomes Polly Harris as New VP of Human Resources

CMS Energy, a prominent Michigan-based energy provider, has officially announced the appointment of Polly Harris as its new Vice President of Human Resources, effective from July 20. With over two decades of experience in human resources, Harris is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company.

Prior to joining CMS Energy, Harris served as the Vice President of Human Resources for Union Pacific Railroad, where she honed her skills in managing a diverse workforce. Her career began at John Deere, followed by a significant role at Conagra Brands, and ultimately, an impressive 18-year tenure at Union Pacific.

Harris holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Furthermore, she has completed the Advanced HR Executive Program at the Michigan Ross School of Business, highlighting her commitment to professional development and leadership in HR.

The Executive Vice President of CMS Energy, Shaun Johnson, expressed his enthusiasm about Harris' appointment, stating, “Polly is an experienced HR executive and talent strategist with a solid background in enterprise transformation, culture, workforce engagement, and HR operations.” Johnson emphasized that Harris’ wealth of experience includes not just managing people strategies for large, unionized and salaried workforces but also fostering a corporate culture that prioritizes employee well-being.

Harris’s strategic vision will focus on creating safe and healthy work environments while emphasizing talent management, workforce planning, and employee relations. Her comprehensive approach addresses critical areas such as compensation, benefits, organizational design, and cultural transformation which are pivotal for CMS Energy’s growth and stability.

CMS Energy, which trades on the NYSE under the ticker symbol CMS, is primarily known for its Consumers Energy business, providing a range of energy solutions to its customers. The company is also engaged in independent power generation business, further solidifying its role in the energy market.

As Polly Harris steps into this crucial role, CMS Energy looks forward to her contributions in fostering a robust HR strategy that will align with the company’s mission and enhance its operational frameworks. The leadership at CMS Energy is confident that Harris will play a key role in not only strengthening the company's HR operations but also in shaping the future of its workforce.

With her extensive background and proven track record, Polly Harris is anticipated to be a transformative force in the CMS Energy team, ensuring that the company remains an employer of choice and continues to thrive in today’s dynamic energy landscape.