Jackson Business Briefs for February 4, 2022

CMS Energy Names Tonya Berry Senior Vice President of Transformation and Engineering

CMS Energy, and its principal subsidiary Consumers Energy, announced today that Tonya Berry is named senior vice president of Transformation and Engineering, effective immediately. Tonya previously served as the vice president of gas operations responsible for gas transmission, distribution, and the integrity of the company’s gas system. With her new position, Tonya will be responsible for electric and gas engineering, as well as, resource planning, project management, environmental services and our quality department.

“Tonya has demonstrated a strong commitment to serve customers, strengthened the processes we use to do our work and inspired our co-workers to deliver results during her time at Consumers Energy,” said Garrick Rochow, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. “Tonya leads with joy and epitomizes our company’s triple bottom line and culture of caring for people, the planet and our state’s prosperity.”

Berry has served as vice president of gas operations since 2020 and previously as vice president of operations performance. Berry has expertise in gas, engineering, and over 20 years of experience in deploying Lean methodologies to enhance quality and improve work management within gas and electric groups. Prior to joining Consumers Energy, Berry also worked for Chrysler LLC in lean operations and industrial engineering. She has a Bachelor’s in industrial engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s in business administration from Wayne State University.

Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Board Welcomes New Members

The Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Board began 2022 by welcoming two new board members: Al Kauffman, DNP, and Jon Lake, MD.

Al Kauffman, DNP, earned a doctorate in nursing practice from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. After more than 20 years in nursing practice and nursing leadership positions, he joined the teaching staff of Spring Arbor University in 2003. Dr. Kauffman was named Dean of the School of Nursing in 2019. He is also an Associate Professor, teaching moral and ethical decision making for advanced practice nurses.

Jon Lake, MD, is a retired physician who practiced family medicine for 14 years before serving in a variety of administrative leadership roles with Henry Ford Allegiance Health. Dr. Lake’s roles included the Chief of Medical Staff, Medical Director for Independent Hospitalist Physicians, and Medical Director for Hospice Services for the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home.

The Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Board and Henry Ford Allegiance Health thank their outgoing board members for their dedicated service: Michelle Cole (three years), John Crist (eight years) and Sally VanSchoick (one year).

American 1 Credit Union hires Carolyn Duncan as Chief Member Experience Officer

American 1 Credit Union is pleased to announce Carolyn Duncan as the financial institution’s new Chief Member Experience Officer.

Duncan, of Jackson, has over 20 years of management experience and strong skills in customer experience, professional development, sales generation, expense control, and profit growth. In addition, Duncan has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Baker College.

“It’s an honor to be named American 1 Credit Union’s CMXO, and I certainly stand by our mission to create financial wellness in our communities through personal everyday banking,” Duncan said. “I’m fully committed to furthering this goal for our members and look forward to everything our team will accomplish together.”

Duncan officially started her position in November of 2021 and reports to Kristi Edgar, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at American 1. In her role, Duncan is responsible for evaluating and determining company practices and best strategies to improve the everyday experience for members.

“We are fortunate to have Carolyn join our team. I am confident that her years of leadership experience, combined with her passion for excellent member service, will help us continue the growth and success of American 1 Credit Union,” Edgar said. “It’s been a pleasure to work with Carolyn so far, and I’m so thrilled she’s part of our team.”

Duncan will be working closely with the following American 1 departments: Marketing, Member Experience, Lending, Community Partnerships, and Branch Operations.

Hot Air Jubilee Announces New Title Sponsor

Tripp’s Auto Shop and Collision Center leads the sponsorship lineup for Jackson’s premier summertime family-friendly event.

The Hot Air Jubilee is excited to announce our 2022 and 2023 Title Sponsor, Tripp’s Auto Shop and Collision Center. “Since founding our company in 1988, Barb and I have been committed to giving back to the community we live and work in. The strength of our business is the strength of our community” said Phil Tripp, President of Tripp’s Auto Shop and Collision Center.

“The Hot Air Jubilee is extremely proud to be partnering with Tripp’s for our 2022 and 2023 events. We are excited to work with a family-orientated organization that is making a measurable impact to our local community. We are blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with Phil and Barb and for their dedication to making Jackson a great place to live and work,” said David Seekell, Hot Air Jubilee Chairman.

The Hot Air Jubilee is scheduled for July 22 and 23, 2022 at beautiful Ella Sharp Park. The festival will be open to the public from 4:00 – 10:00 pm and will feature live music, Kid’s Kingdom, and of course 25-30 beautiful hot air balloons.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For questions about event sponsorship, contact Angela Madden at info@hotairjubilee.com