Tiffin University’s Board of Trustees voted to appoint Dr. JoAnn Chávez as its newest member.
JoAnn Chávez currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at DTE Energy. She has responsibility for the management and strategic direction of DTE’s office of the general counsel and advises DTE’s board of directors and senior management on legal and related matters. Chávez also oversees ethics and compliance, corporate security, corporate emergency management and tax. Previously, she worked as an international tax partner at KPMG LLP.
Chávez holds various board positions including DTE Energy Foundation, the Cristo Rey Network, Invest Detroit, the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute board of directors. She is the past chairwoman of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board of directors and currently sits on the Notre Dame Law School and University of Michigan School of Education Advisory Councils. Chávez is a passionate advocate for young people, founding the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC) to support first-generation Hispanic students to graduate from college. Her extensive work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named to Forbes’ 50 Over 50 list and Detroit Crain’s 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan. In 2024, Chávez was Tiffin University’s graduation keynote speaker, where she was honored with the conferral of the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Chavez to the Board of Trustees,” said Tiffin University President, Dr. Lillian Schumacher. “Her exceptional leadership, vision and deep commitment to higher education opportunities for students, especially underrepresented students, will be invaluable as we continue to advance the strategic growth of Tiffin University.”
“Dr. Chavez brings a wealth of professional experience, marked by her leadership in the corporate sector, strategic decision-making, and a deep and unwavering commitment to community empowerment through initiatives that create meaningful opportunities, foster economic growth and drive positive change,” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President and CEO of Webster Industries, Inc., Andrew Felter. “We look forward to her many contributions to the Board of Trustees and Tiffin University.”