DETROIT – DTE Energy named Valerie M. Williams, CPA, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Williams served as the Assurance Services Managing Partner for Ernst & Young LLP’s Southwest Region until 2016. In this role, she had responsibility for a $500 million audit practice encompassing nine states, 14 offices and 1,200 employees.
Williams has more than 35 years of audit and public accounting experience, serving numerous global and multi-location companies, primarily in the energy and technology sectors. She has held several senior leadership positions at Ernst & Young, including serving as a national office partner in Ernst & Young LLP’s Professional Practice Group located in Houston, where she was responsible for technical consultation, assistance and guidance on complex accounting and reporting issues.
“Valerie brings decades of experience serving as a trusted audit and public accounting advisor to organizations across the globe,” said Gerry Anderson, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. “We’re pleased she has agreed to join our Board of Directors, as her diverse knowledge and understanding of issues impacting our industry will add great value to our company.”
Williams’ long list of accomplishments and credentials include:
• Member of Ernst Young’s Inclusiveness Advisory Council where she provided thought leadership and guidance on inclusiveness activities of the global Ernst & Young organization.
• Serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Houston Downtown Management District and served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston YMCA.
• Membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of CPAs.
Williams earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston.
