Utility giant DTE Energy named Joi Harris as the new CEO last month, making her the first woman and first African American in the role.
Harris, who currently serves as chief operating officer, will take on the new role beginning September 8. She will succeed Jerry Norcia, who will become executive board chairman.
“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for our company and industry. We are in a time of transformation, and I’m committed to executing our strategy with urgency – modernizing infrastructure, delivering for our customers, and building the energy systems that will power future generations,” Harris said in a statement. “I’m grateful for Jerry’s mentorship and proud to build on the foundation he helped to create.”
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Harris’ tenure at the utility company began when she was a high school engineering co-op. In 1991, she joined the company as a full-time employee and went on to work in several areas, including distribution field operations, system control and transmission operations while helping to modernize critical infrastructure and inspire DTE team members. In her current role, she led the company’s electric and gas utilities, customer service, information technology and other departments. She specifically led the construction of the Detroit-based company’s renewable energy projects and the $1 billion Blue Water Energy combined cycle gas plant, which came online in 2022 in St. Clair County, according to The Detroit News.
DTE Energy’s electric company unit serves 2.3 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, and its natural gas company serves 1.3 million customers throughout the state, the outlet noted.
“This announcement culminates a multi-year succession plan and illustrates our confidence in Joi’s ability to lead DTE with focus, clarity and vision,” said Mark Murray, the board’s lead independent director, in a statement. “We thank Jerry for putting so much of his heart and soul into leading the company to new levels of performance for all of our stakeholders, and we look forward to supporting Joi as she builds on that progress.”
Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from Wayne State University.
Harris, who will join the company’s board of directors, is also vice president of the board of directors for the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP). The history-maker is also a member of the WSU College of Engineering Board of Visitors, the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees for the Skillman Foundation.
She is a recipient of the Maverick Award from Energetic Women, which honors top women in the operations and engineering field.
Harris was also named Woman of the Year for the Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence program.
