CMS Energy and Consumers Energy today announced Brandon J. Hofmeister, currently Vice President of Governmental & Public Affairs will succeed David Mengebier as Senior Vice President of Governmental, Regulatory & Public Affairs, effective July 1, 2017. David Mengebier is named Senior Vice President and Senior Policy Adviser after serving 17 years as Senior Vice President of Governmental, Regulatory & Public Affairs. Mengebier will serve in his new capacity as an adviser to the company ensuring a smooth transition of leadership responsibilities until his retirement on November 1, 2017. Additionally, Lauren Youngdahl Snyder has been named Vice President of Customer Experience.
Hofmeister joined Consumers Energy in 2013 and has held positions of increasing leadership responsibility in the areas of corporate strategy, sustainability, community engagement and governmental affairs. He was a key advocate for the company during the crafting of the 2016 Michigan energy law.
“Brandon brings a wealth of policy knowledge and critical strategic expertise to our senior leadership team,” said Patti Poppe, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. “His understanding of the political climate and strong relationships across Michigan make him an excellent fit to lead our governmental, regulatory and community affairs as well as our corporate communications’ functions.”
Prior to joining Consumers Energy, Hofmeister served as an energy law professor at The University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Before that, he served as deputy legal counsel and senior energy policy adviser to former Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, where he was active in the negotiations of the 2008 Michigan energy reform package. Hofmeister earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, respectively.
“During his tenure, David helped craft Michigan’s energy policy framework in Lansing and Washington D.C., and facilitated the company’s brand and communications transformation from the ground up,” said Patti Poppe. “David’s deep policy and political acumen as well as his commitment to communicating transparently with our customers, regulators and policymakers helped set us apart in the industry as a world-class utility.”
Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, a 12-year veteran of Consumers Energy, is currently Executive Director of Customer Experience and Marketing Strategy. She also served in leadership positions in the regulatory affairs, brand equity, customer care, smart energy and digital customer experience departments. Youngdahl Snyder holds an MBA, as well as a BBA in Marketing, from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. She also received a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison Honors College.
“Lauren is deeply focused on our customers and ensuring their experience with the company is a positive one,” said Poppe. “Her diverse career and extensive knowledge about customer insights, along with a strong understanding of our regulatory environment make her an ideal candidate to lead our company’s quest to improve the customer experience.”
