Michigan-based CMS Energy announced today that Tonya Berry is vice president of gas operations, effective December 1, 2020.

“With 30,000 miles of natural gas service all throughout Michigan, I’m thrilled to bring my lean expertise to leading a great team in gas operations at Consumers Energy,” said Berry in a statement. “Protecting our customers, the planet, and Michigan’s communities are the core of the work we do for 1.8 million homes and businesses.”

Berry has 20 years of experience deploying lean methodologies across industries and is a Six Sigma Black Belt from Lawrence Tech University. She has assisted in the development of the lean operation system called the CE Way at Consumers Energy.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

In 2019, Berry received the Women of Color President's Award, recognizing her professional contributions and personal involvement in promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and career development to students and professionals.

During her acceptance speech, she credited STEM for helping influence her educational and career decisions.

"When I was eight years old, I was fortunate to participate in a Romulus school district enrichment program to develop STEM skills," she said. "It was in this program where I learned that pursuing a STEM career would allow me to do meaningful work and make a difference in the world. Today, I carry with me the same excitement knowing that STEM is imperative to our future. We must continue to build a pipeline of talent in this space, which will enable the next generation of innovators to develop new products, processes, and services that will sustain our economy," she noted.

Berry is active in several organizations, including the National Black MBA, National Society for Black Engineers, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Plymouth United Church of Christ – Detroit, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University.