JACKSON, Mich., June 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mary Palkovich, vice president of energy delivery for Consumers Energy, has been recognized by the Midwest Energy Association with a Maverick Award for her empowerment and advancement of women into leadership positions.

"Mary Palkovich has always been a leader who believes in sharing her skills, experience and perspectives so that others can learn, develop and take on leadership roles. We are privileged to have her as an integral member of the Consumers Energy leadership team," said Dan Malone, senior vice president of energy resources.

The Maverick Award is presented annually to someone who actively participates in the advancement of women in leadership, who advocates for the professional advancement of women, and who acknowledges the full talents and capabilities and organizational benefits of women in energy operations and engineering.

Palkovich's nomination, submitted by Julie Hegedus, Consumers Energy's director of regulatory compliance, cited her strategic direction to promote a diverse and inclusive workforce that has in turn led to a more successful and productive organization. Palkovich is also heavily involved with the company's Women's Engineering Network, which helps connect members throughout the company, and actively supports and mentors its members by helping them to build professional skills and abilities.

Palkovich was also praised by several other current and former work associates for her leadership abilities. "Game-changer, that's how I describe Mary Palkovich. She has tremendous influence, which she uses intentionally, to add value and drive positive change for the company, and for those she works with," said Stephanie Menning, executive director at the Minnesota Utility Contractors Association.

A member of the Consumers Energy leadership team since 2013, Palkovich is responsible for engineering and planning for the company's electric and natural gas distribution systems. She leads a team that develops and executes plans to maintain, upgrade and expand these distribution systems.

Prior to joining Consumers Energy, Palkovich held various engineering leadership roles at CenterPoint Energy, Minnegasco and Panhandle Eastern utility companies. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and math from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and an associate's degree in civil engineering technology from Michigan Technological University.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go towww.ConsumersEnergy.com.

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SOURCE Consumers Energy