JACKSON, Mich., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy and its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy, announced the following personnel changes effective today in its legal department:

Jim Brunner, currently senior vice president and general counsel and a 36-year employee, will assume the role of chief legal counsel, handling special legal projects as identified by the Chief Executive Officer. A Spring Lake, Mich. native, Brunner is a University of Michigan graduate with degrees in engineering and law.

Cathy Reynolds, currently vice president, deputy general counsel and corporate secretary, is promoted to senior vice president and general counsel. Reynolds, a 34-year employee, is responsible for the legal department and all legal matters affecting CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. A Jackson native, Reynolds has a bachelor of science degree from Michigan State University and law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Both Brunner and Reynolds report to CMS Energy and Consumers Energy's Chief Executive Officer John Russell.

Melissa Gleespen is promoted to vice president and corporate secretary, responsible for securities law matters, corporate records, investor services and corporate secretary functions. Gleespen joined the Company earlier this year as supervisory assistant general counsel, and has extensive background in corporate governance, disclosure regulations, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reporting and compliance. She previously was law director and assistant secretary at Owens Corning in Toledo, Ohio. Gleespen earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard University Extension School and earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based company that has an electric and natural gas utility, Consumers Energy, as its primary business and also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our web site at: www.cmsenergy.com

SOURCE CMS Energy