DTE Energy names new leaders of DTE Foundation, Corporate Citizenship and Customer Outreach

Refreshed organizational structure reinforces DTE’s continued commitment to community engagement

Detroit, May 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) today announced two promotions in key leadership roles that will further the company’s focus on customer and community engagement. Rodney Cole has been named president, DTE Foundation and DTE Corporate Citizenship, taking on responsibilities of the retiring vice president of Public Affairs and president of the DTE Foundation, Lynette Dowler, who is retiring after nearly 40 years of service to the company. The company also named Evette Griffe to vice president, Customer & Community Engagement, which includes a team previously led by Dowler. Griffie will also oversee the company’s efforts to connect in-need customers with energy assistance in the form of affordable payment plans, financial aid and other relief.

“DTE and the DTE Foundation are committed to serving with our energy, making a meaningful and equitable difference through our statewide corporate citizenship efforts. These team members embody this mission and will accelerate our efforts to foster stronger communities,” said Jerry Norcia, DTE chairman and CEO. “I also thank Lynette Dowler for her immeasurable contributions and decades of partnership supporting our customers and DTE.”

In her 40 years at DTE, Dowler served as a key leader across many business units and functions including safety, nuclear supply chain management and the River Rouge and Trenton Channel Power Plants.

Cole will lead the DTE Foundation’s operations and grant strategies and play a key role in advancing DTE’s efforts to support Michigan’s economy through job creation and workforce development, social justice and racial equity, and environmental stewardship. Cole also will lead efforts to strengthen neighborhoods and further the company’s corporate citizenship initiatives throughout DTE’s service territory.

During his 18-year career at DTE, Cole has led business units across the enterprise, including state government affairs and human resources. Cole serves on the board of directors for the American Association for Blacks in Energy (Michigan), Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan, Connect Detroit, Midnight Golf, and Michigan Humane.  He also serves on the Wayne State University Press Board of Visitors and as a member of Teen Hype’s Advisory Board and the Detroit Regional Chamber Advocacy Advisory Council. Cole is a graduate of Leadership Detroit Class XXXV and the 2018 cohort of Harvard University’s Young American Leaders Program (YALP). He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University.