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Consumers Energy has named Bruce Rasher to lead the utility’s economic development efforts.
Rasher will work with federal, state, regional and local government officials and agencies plus private sector organizations and individuals to help develop a stronger economy in Michigan. Rasher assumes his new position as director of economic development immediately.
Rasher’s previous duties at Consumers Energy included heading up the Company’s real estate division and leading its brownfield redevelopment program. He also has worked on a number of environmental programs during his 27-year career at the utility.
Rasher currently serves as chair of the Marshall Area Development Alliance and is a member of the Board of Directors for Oaklawn Hospital, in Marshall. He also served as a local elected official in Marshall, including two terms as mayor.
Rasher reports to David Mengebier, senior vice president of governmental and public affairs/community services.
“Bruce already has established a record of success in economic development, both at Consumers Energy and as a local community leader. He’s keenly aware of Michigan’s need to retain businesses and jobs and to create new jobs through expansion and by attracting new businesses,” Mengebier said.
“Bruce has a lot of ideas, energy, and enthusiasm and I’m delighted to have him in this key position,” he said, adding that Rasher also will be involved with economic development projects for Consumers Energy’s parent company, CMS Energy.
Rasher holds a 1976 bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on finance from Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business in 2002. He was a 1999 Fellow in the Michigan Political Leadership Program, at Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to more than six million of the state's nearly 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Media Contacts: Jeff Holyfield, 517/788-2394 or Dan Bishop, 517/788-2395
(EDITORS, PHOTO EDITORS: A color JPEG photo of Bruce Rasher is available. To get that emailed to you, please contact Jeff Holyfield by phone or by email at jlholyfield@consumersenergy.com.)
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