Joi Harris will step into the top job at DTE Energy on September 8 2025. She is the first Black woman and the first woman overall chosen to guide the Detroit based utility. The DTE board also elected her to join the company board when she starts. She will follow current Chairman and Chief Executive Jerry Norcia who will move to the role of 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 am committed to executing our strategy with urgency. We will modernize infrastructure deliver for our customers and build the energy systems that will power future generations.” — Joi Harris.
DTE Energy Leadership Change Effective September 8 2025
The leadership handoff comes after a multi year succession plan at the utility. Board leaders said the move reflects strong confidence in Harris and her record delivering results. Norcia praised her focus and precision and noted her deep operational experience across the company.
When Harris assumes the role she will oversee both the electric and natural gas businesses along with key corporate teams. Her appointment places her at the center of major grid upgrades and customer reliability goals already under way.
First Black Woman CEO Signals Energy Transformation in Michigan
Her selection marks a major milestone for leadership representation in the US utility sector. Yet the significance goes beyond demographics. Harris will guide long term investments tied to clean energy growth grid resilience and customer affordability across Michigan.
Communities and energy watchers are paying attention. Michigan leaders see her elevation as a chance to connect equity goals with critical infrastructure work that affects millions of state residents.
From High School Engineering Co Op to Corporate Leader
Harris first walked through DTE doors as a high school engineering co op student. The early exposure to field work and operations shaped her view of large scale energy systems.
She joined the company full time in 1991. Over the next three decades she held roles in distribution field operations system control and transmission operations. Each role added technical depth and frontline insight that now informs her executive decision making.
Track Record Driving Grid Upgrades and Reliability Gains
In recent years Harris served as President and Chief Operating Officer. She led the electric and gas utilities customer service information technology safety and other essential teams. Her remit put her in charge of day to day performance and long range capital execution.
Under her watch DTE reported a large improvement in electric reliability year over year in 2024 as grid investments accelerated. She was a key architect behind stepped up spending on poles wires automation and storm hardening to reduce outage times for customers.
Blue Water Energy Center and Renewable Projects Under Harris
Harris helped lead construction of DTE renewable energy projects across Michigan. These wind and solar additions support the company plan to cut carbon and expand clean generation.
She also oversaw development of the Blue Water Energy Center a roughly one billion dollar combined cycle natural gas plant in St Clair County. The plant entered commercial service in 2022 and provides flexible capacity that supports renewable growth while supplying reliable power to hundreds of thousands of homes.
Customer Impact Across Michigan Communities
DTE Energy provides electric service to about two point three million customers in Southeast Michigan including the Detroit region. Its natural gas utility serves about one point three million customers across the state. Decisions at the top level therefore reach households factories schools and hospitals statewide.
Because storms have grown more severe and energy use is changing DTE is investing billions in grid and gas system upgrades. Harris will be the face of those upgrades as customers demand better reliability and fair rates.
Education and Engineering Roots at Wayne State University
Harris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit. She later completed a Master of Business Administration from the same institution. The blend of engineering training and business management has guided her approach to complex utility planning.
Wayne State remains a talent pipeline for DTE and for regional technical fields. Harris often credits mentors who encouraged her to stick with engineering and bring community insight into energy work.
Industry Boards and Community Service Commitments
Beyond DTE Harris is active in education and workforce development. She serves as vice president of the board of directors for the Detroit Area Pre College Engineering Program known as DAPCEP. The program exposes young students to science and engineering pathways.
She sits on the Wayne State University College of Engineering Board of Visitors and on the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Skillman Foundation which supports education equity and youth programs in Detroit.
Honors Recognizing Leadership in Energy and Inclusion
Harris received the Maverick Award from Energetic Women which honors top leaders in utility operations and engineering. The recognition highlighted her support for building a diverse talent pipeline in energy.
She was also named Woman of the Year by the Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence program. Local civic groups and industry peers cite her blend of technical skill community focus and results driven leadership.
What Happens Next as Harris Prepares to Lead
The transition period through September 8 2025 allows Harris and Norcia to coordinate on strategic priorities. Key near term focus areas include grid modernization storm response readiness clean energy build out and customer affordability.
Stakeholders across Michigan will track early signals once Harris takes charge. Watch for updates on capital spending timelines reliability metrics renewable additions and community engagement. Her long path from student co op to chief executive suggests she will keep a close eye on both field conditions and boardroom strategy.
