#USA #Jackson #Diane Leopold #CMS Energy #Richard Keyes

CMS Energy Appoints New Members to Board of Directors

In a strategic move to bolster its governance and operational capabilities, CMS Energy announced the election of Diane Leopold and Richard Keyes to its board of directors on February 20, 2026. The appointments are expected to bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the utility and energy sectors.

Diane Leopold: A Veteran in Utility Management

Diane Leopold comes with an impressive resume, having spent over three decades at Dominion Energy, Inc. She began her career at Dominion in 1995 and climbed the ranks to become the executive vice president and chief operating officer. Leopold’s rich background in utility services will be invaluable to CMS Energy, where she is set to serve on the Compensation and Human Resources Committee as well as the Finance Committee for both CMS Energy and its subsidiary, Consumers Energy.

Leopold holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sussex, a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University, and an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her qualifications are complemented by her current roles on multiple boards, including nVent Electric plc and the World Pediatrics Foundation, further emphasizing her commitment to leadership in various sectors.

Richard Keyes: An Industry Leader

Joining Leopold is Richard Keyes, the president and CEO of Meijer, Inc., who has had a progressive career at the company since 1989. Keyes has held significant roles across several divisions, including Pharmacy and Supply Chain Management, showing his versatility and deep understanding of business operations. He was propelled to the role of CEO in 2017, bringing over 35 years of operational and strategic experience to the table.

Keyes, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University, is also heavily involved in community leadership. He serves on various boards, including the Business Leaders for Michigan, and is the vice chair of several organizations, which highlights his engagement in fostering business development and sustainability. He will participate on the Audit Committee and the Governance, Sustainability, and Public Responsibility Committee at CMS Energy.

Strategic Vision for CMS Energy

The addition of Leopold and Keyes to the CMS Energy board is seen as a crucial step forward in achieving the company's strategic vision. Their combined experience and leadership will facilitate the oversight of energy practices while strengthening corporate governance at a time when the energy sector undergoes significant transformation.

CMS Energy, a Michigan-based entity traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol CMS, primarily operates in the electric and natural gas utility sectors through its subsidiary, Consumers Energy. As CMS Energy aims to enhance its independent power generation operations, the insights and expertise from its newly appointed board members will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's future endeavors and initiatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the appointment of Diane Leopold and Richard Keyes underscores CMS Energy’s commitment to instilling leadership that resonates with its objectives of improving service delivery, operational efficiency, and fostering sustainable practices. Their expertise will not only contribute to better governance but also to innovative strategies that will benefit the energy sector and the communities they serve.