MUSKEGON, Mich. – August 14, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — A Muskegon County native who has served in a variety of West Michigan public sector leadership roles has joined Consumers Energy as its new lakeshore public affairs area manager.
Richard D. Houtteman, most recently deputy administrator for the city of Kentwood, assumed his new role Aug. 3. He will be based at Consumers Energy’s Norton Shores Service Center and will handle public affairs duties in Muskegon, Ottawa and Oceana counties. He replaces Laurie Larsen, who retired June 1 after more than 30 years with Consumers Energy.
“Rich’s deep commitment to the Lakeshore region is evident, and I look forward to bringing his knowledge, relationships and talents to Consumers Energy as we continue to strengthen the ties to the communities we serve,” said Brandon Hofmeister, executive director of policy, research and public affairs for Consumers Energy.
Houtteman served in Kentwood, near Grand Rapids, since 2009. Previously, he worked for Muskegon Area First, that community’s economic development organization, the city of Coopersville in Ottawa County and as the elected supervisor for Muskegon County’s Dalton Township. He is a graduate of Grand Valley State University, where he received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration. Houtteman and his family live in Whitehall.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to .6 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
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Media Contacts: Roger Morgenstern, 616-530-4364, or Terry DeDoes, 517-374-2159
For more information about Consumers Energy, go towww.ConsumersEnergy.com.
