A Special Message From Former Board Chair Patti Poppe: Patti Poppe: “Keep Up the Impactful Work”
December 2, 2020
The Detroit Regional Chamber extends a special congratulations to our friend and valued advisor, Patti Poppe, as she transitions to her new role with PG&E. Having served as the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference, Poppe leaves an indelible mark on the organization and region.
“Patti has been one of the most passionate and engaged Board Chairs we’ve seen in the role, and one of the finest leaders we have had the honor and privilege of working with,” said Chamber President and CEO Sandy K. Baruah. “On behalf of the entire Chamber staff, I express our gratitude for the leadership she has provided our organization and the business community. The Chamber team will miss her dearly but look forward to her success in this new venture.”
As Chair of the 2019 Conference, Poppe spearheaded a vision of “One Michigan” and focused on the Conference themes of Prepare Michigan, Grow Michigan, and Love Michigan. Poppe joined the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2016 and began serving on its Executive Committee in 2017. Poppe has championed Consumers Energy’s engagement in the Conference, notably recruiting Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST Robotics, as a keynote speaker in 2015 and hosting Michigan-based FIRST teams to conduct demonstrations at Grand Hotel. Poppe has served on the Conference CEO Advisory Committee since 2017.
“As I transition to my new role as CEO of Pacific Gas & Electric Corporation, I will hold Michigan close to my heart as home. You can take me out of Michigan, but you can’t take the pride I have for the state of Michigan out of me,” Poppe said. “The Detroit Regional Chamber is an incredible asset to not only Southeast Michigan but the entire state. You are a voice for business and a driving force for Michigan’s economy – keep up the impactful work!”
Poppe was named President and CEO of Consumers Energy and CMS Energy in 2016, leading a company that serves 1.8 million electric customers and 1.7 million natural gas customers. After serving in management roles with General Motors and DTE Energy, Poppe joined Consumers in 2011 and went on to hold multiple positions on the senior management team.
“It has been an honor to serve as CMS Energy and Consumers Energy’s president and CEO,” Poppe added. “The company is deeply committed to Michigan’s success and I know incoming president and CEO, Garrick Rochow, will continue to deliver on the triple bottom line of people, planet, and prosperity. Garrick has robust industry knowledge and a heart of service for the Consumers Energy team and communities they serve. You will continue to see world-class performance delivering hometown service from Consumers Energy.”