LANSING – The Michigan Public Service Commission today announced the appointment of Matt Helms as the Commission’s new public information officer. He will be responsible for media relations and supporting broader communications efforts for the agency.

Before coming to the MPSC, Helms worked for the City of Detroit, where he was Director of Special Projects and Research on the communications team of Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration, assisting with media relations for several departments and serving as chief writer on projects including citywide neighborhood newsletters and community resource guides.

“We’re excited to have someone of Matt’s caliber join our staff,” said Sally Talberg, chairman of the MPSC. “He will continue to build on our public outreach efforts and tell the story about the exciting work we do here at the MPSC.”

Helms previously worked for more than 20 years as a journalist for the Detroit Free Press, where he covered topics including transportation, local government, casino gambling. Most recently, he reported on the City of Detroit, its bankruptcy and ongoing recovery.

Helms replaces Nick Assendelft, who served as the MPSC’s spokesman since April 2017 and is transferring to a similar position at the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.