The fact that he is so deeply involved in supporting his community and those who are less fortunate is a testament to Jerry Norcia never forgetting his West Windsor roots, according to those who know him best.

Norcia, the chief executive officer of DTE Energy and chair of the company’s board of directors, is a graduate of both St. James Catholic Elementary School and Assumption College Catholic High School. On June 4, he will receive an honorary degree from the University of Windsor, where he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering.

“He defied all of the odds,” said Joe DiCarlo, co-owner of CSN JJ Dominion Collision Centres and one of Norcia’s childhood friends. “We’re extremely proud of him. It’s such a great honour and so well deserved. He’s very modest and he would want to use the opportunity as an example to inspire young people regarding what can be achieved.”

According to Tony Tullio, a cousin and close friend, Norcia was born in Toronto but soon after, his family moved to Italy. When he was eight-years-old, they moved back to Canada, and he enrolled at St. James.

“He didn’t speak a word of English then,” Tullio said. “It’s the classic immigrant success story. He’s an inspiring leader and the ultimate role model for students regardless of your background.”

Tullio, who was a year ahead of Norcia at Assumption, described him as a very hard working, dedicated and focused student who played both basketball and soccer while he was there.

“He was one of those guys who was very well liked and respected by many,” he said.

Before joining DTE, Norcia was vice-president of business development for Union Gas. He joined DTE in 2002 as president of its gas storage and pipelines business. He went on to serve as president of both DTE Gas and DTE Electric before being named president and chief operating officer. He was appointed CEO in 2019 and board chair in 2022, taking on strategic oversight of the company’s electric and gas utilities as well as its two major non-utility businesses. One of the largest utilities in North America, DTE has about 10,000 employees who serve 3.2 million customers in southeast Michigan.

Angela Pizzuti, DTE’s Senior Vice-President and Chief Customer Officer, started with the company on the very same day as Norcia, but didn’t actually start working with him until 2009. A fellow Windsorite, she also attended Assumption and the University of Windsor, and said because of his humble beginnings, Norcia has never forgotten his community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Evidence of that can be seen in Norcia’s work with state and local leaders to create affordable payment programs and to pass energy assistance bills. Earlier this year, along with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and members of The Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm - a group of more than 120 human service agencies, religious organizations, and businesses from across Michigan - Norcia celebrated the passing of new legislation that will double the energy assistance funds available through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, opening the door wider for individuals and families who need it.

“He’s done a lot in the state of Michigan to advance that cause by championing customer care for those who are vulnerable,” Pizzuti said. “He has empathy for people, but he also has very strong principles.”

Tullio said DTE’s commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, and economic development reflects Norcia’s vision of corporate responsibility and community engagement, pointing out that he serves on the boards of esteemed community service organizations such as Business Leaders for Michigan, the Detroit Regional Partnership, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership. 

DiCarlo, who lived on the same street at Norcia and walked to school with him every day, agreed that his humble beginnings account for the way he looks out for those less fortunate.

“That comes from our upbringing, and from the way his parents taught him how to treat other people,” DiCarlo said. “His strength is that he never lost his roots. He never forgot where he came from.”

Tullio said he got emotional when he heard that Norcia was receiving an honorary degree.

“Just knowing his background,” he said “Not only did he make it to the top spot of one of the largest utilities in the United States, but he’s just done so much for his community and the less fortunate. He’s a testament to hard work and resilience, a visionary leader and an inspiration to that student who’s new to the country, doesn’t speak the language and is wondering about what their future might be.”

Pizzuti, who described Norcia as someone “who always has your back,” said she was thrilled to hear the news about his degree.

“I’m so happy that the university is recognizing an individual who has done truly remarkable things to better the world,” she said.