Paul Hillegonds is senior vice president of corporate affairs at DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE), a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Hillegonds oversees DTE Energy’s governmental relations efforts at the local, state, and federal levels as well as external and internal communications. He also is responsible for overseeing the company’s regulatory affairs, and environmental management and resources organizations.
Hillegonds was appointed to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee in 1999, and chairs the Policy Subcommittee. He also is a member of the Finance Subcommittee.
Hillegonds served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1979 to 1996. During his tenure, he held leadership posts including Republican Leader, Co-Speaker of the House and Speaker of the House. From 1997 to 2005 he served as president of Detroit Renaissance, a non-profit, civic group of Southeast Michigan business leaders. The organization focuses its efforts on economic development and public policy issues.Hillegonds earned a law degree from Thomas Cooley Law School and a bachelor of arts degree from The University of Michigan.
Among his professional and community affiliations, Hillegonds serves on The Michigan Nature Conservancy, Michigan Future, The Center for Michigan, Cultural Alliance for Southeast Michigan, Arts League of Michigan, Southeast Michigan Consortium for Water Quality, and Kresge Foundation.
He has been the recipient of numerous honors during his career. Governing Magazine named him Public Official of the Year in 1994. In 1996, the Detroit News named him a Michiganian of the Year. In 2005, he received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from the University of Michigan Alumni Association. He has received honorary degrees from Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Central Michigan University.