• Valerie Brader to step down from the state energy agency to join a law firm in Troy
• Michigan Agency for Energy will be reorganized to better reflect a relaxing of federal regulations
• Brader will also head up a new consulting firm

Brader, who was appointed to the MAE in March 2015, plans to join Troy-based Rivenoak Law Group PC in March to expand the firm's offering from its focus on intellectual property. She also will be heading a new consulting company that will focus on energy, the environment, municipal and public financing and economic development, Brader said in an interview with Crain's.

Brader, whose last day at MAE will be Feb. 10, joined the Snyder administration in 2011 as deputy legal counsel and senior policy adviser to the governor.

"The No. 1 thing is that I am leaving (the MAE) in very good hands," Brader said, adding that the time is right to step down after many accomplishments that include a long-term water deal for the city of Flint, a landmark energy law and an interim agreement with Enbridge on the Line 5 Pipeline that carries oil and liquid natural gas through the Straits of Mackinac.

"I am really blessed. I had an ambitious list of things I wanted to get done," she said.

"Together, we passed energy legislation that will be a national model, were recognized nationally for our leadership in energy infrastructure and security issues, ensured that the Upper Peninsula could have a bright energy future that they could control, re-invented our grant-making programs in response to feedback from stakeholders, and helped thousands of customers with their utility issues," Brader said in a statement.

MAE Deputy Director Madhu Anderson will serve as the agency's acting executive director upon Brader's departure.

"Valerie has done an outstanding job leading the Michigan Agency for Energy and guiding state policy to ensure a stronger energy future for Michigan," Snyder said in a statement. "I look forward to working with Madhu and the Public Service Commission as we restructure the agency to continue its positive work on behalf of all Michiganders."

Snyder also announced that Keith Creagh, director of the Department of Natural Resources, will take Brader's co-chair position on the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board, effective Jan. 15. Heidi Grether, director of the state Department of Environmental Quality, is the other co-chair. The MAE will continue to have a seat on the board with Anderson.

Brader has also resigned her position as special legal counsel, effective Feb. 10. She led a legal team that helped negotiate a long-term water contract for Flint.

In Snyder's executive order, the MPSC is to take over some of MAE's responsibilities, including customer assistance, the Michigan Energy Assistance Program that administers low-income heating grants, and many of the staff that represent Michigan in regional and national forums.

Overall, 30 staffers will move from the MAE to MPSC, but there will be no staff reductions, MPSC spokesman Nick Assendelft said.

Brader said many of MAE functions moved to the commission no longer needed to be in the agency because of changes in federal regulations.

MAE will continue to operate the energy security division, the energy office to administer grant programs and external affairs. The unique role of MAE will remain to represent Michigan's interests on national, regional and regulatory policy.

The MAE was created by executive order in March 2015 and is housed within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. MAE's executive director is appointed by the governor and serves as the chief adviser to the governor and other state departments on energy policies and programs.