DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) has named Faye Alexander Nelson to the position of president of the DTE Energy Foundation and vice president public affairs, effective Feb. 17.

Nelson currently serves as president and CEO of the non-profit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. In this newly created role, she will lead the DTE Energy Foundation, DTE Energy and its employees in partnerships in areas that include education, energy, the environment and broad-based initiatives aimed at strengthening communities throughout Michigan. Fred Shell, vice president of Corporate and Government Affairs for DTE Energy, will remain the Foundation's chairman.

"Faye has played a pivotal role in the transformation of Detroit's riverfront, which now attracts millions of people from all walks of life, and serves as a catalyst for economic development in the region," said DTE Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson. "I know that Faye will bring that same level of leadership and passion to DTE, which can only help us reach our goal to become a force for growth and prosperity in the communities where we live and work."

Nick Khouri, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, added that her role with the Foundation will continue our active support of non-profit organizations addressing the social and economic issues that impact our state. "Faye will play a critical role in continuing our community outreach across the state of Michigan," he said.

Prior to joining the Conservancy, Nelson served as vice president, Governmental Affairs for Wayne State University, where she led the development of the Wayne State University Research and Technology Park.

SOURCE DTE Energy