» Board of Directors | Automotive Hall of Fame

Sandy K. Baruah

President & CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

The Honorable Sandy K. Baruah is president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, one of the largest in the country. Under Baruah’s leadership, the Chamber’s signature initiatives include Forward Detroit, a comprehensive, forward looking regional development approach; MICHauto, a state-wide strategy to advance next generation automotive and mobility developments in Michigan, and the Mackinac Policy Conference, one of the nation’s largest and longest running public policy conference hosting national keynote speakers and the state’s top public and private leadership.

Baruah joined the Chamber in 2010 after a distinguished career in Washington, D.C. He served as President George W. Bush’s last Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In this role, he was the chief executive responsible for the SBA’s 4,000 national employees and $18 billion small business loan portfolio. Baruah was one of the senior officials shaping the federal government’s response to the 2008 credit crisis and assistance to the U.S. automotive industry.

Prior to leading the SBA, Baruah served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce. In this role he had responsibility for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), served as the Senior Advisor to the Commerce Secretary for the 2010 Census and represented the U.S. government before the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, France.

Before serving in the George W. Bush Administration, Baruah was a corporate mergers and acquisitions consultant for the Performance Consulting Group. He also served in the administration of President George H. W. Bush (1989–1993) and was on the staff of U.S. Senator Bob Packwood.

After leaving government service in early 2009, he was a Distinguished Fellow at the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, a Washington, D.C.- based think tank comprised of corporate CEOs, university presidents and labor leaders focused on American economic competitiveness.

Baruah holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon and a Master of Business Administration from Willamette University. Baruah serves on the boards of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, Automotive Hall of Fame, Detroit Economic Club and Riverfront Conservancy. He is a former Advisory Board Member of Wavepoint Ventures and Spain’s Orkestra – Institute of Competitiveness.

In 2016, Baruah was appointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder as Chairman of the 21st Century Economy Commission. He is a frequent commentator on local and national media regarding national political developments, automotive industry matters and Detroit and Michigan issues.

Jim Baumbick

Vice President, Product Development Operations, Cycle Planning & Internal Combustion Engine Programs

AHF 2020/2021 Industry Influencer and 2003 Young Leaders & Excellence Awardee

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jim Baumbick led Ford’s Project Apollo team in the company’s fight against the virus. Project Apollo created scrappy go-fast solutions to protect healthcare workers, first responders and infected patients. The effort resulted in the production of more than 120 million masks, 20 million face shields, 32,000 powered air-purifying respirators and 50,000 ventilators at Ford manufacturing facilities in Michigan and around the world.

Baumbick also led the team responsible for the all-new Ford Maverick compact pickup truck – a whitespace product for customers who need a versatile vehicle they can make all their own with a standard hybrid powertrain. Beyond leading on this breakthrough product, Baumbick pioneered and championed an agile product development process inspired by software development to bring Maverick to market 20 months faster than traditional all-new vehicles.

As vice president, enterprise product line management, Baumbick is responsible for global product and technology strategy and planning, as well as leading the global product line teams using deep customer insights to deliver products customers really want and value.

Previously, he served as executive director of global product planning and strategy, leading development of the company’s flexible modular architecture approach – a key enabler for product development fitness. Baumbick also developed new capital allocation and cycle planning processes to prioritize winning businesses in support of the company’s overall product portfolio transformation.

Baumbick joined Ford in 1993 as a Ford College Graduate. He has served in a variety of roles core to the product development process, including financial and profit analysis, engineering, product planning and program management, as well as operations. He was chief engineer for unibody products and engineering director for Asia Pacific & Africa, where he was responsible for engineering the global Ford Ranger T6 architecture in 2011. Baumbick is also vehicle line and platform director for the front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive flexible architecture underpinning Ford Focus, Ford Escape, Ford Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair and all-new Ford Maverick vehicle lines.

Baumbick earned both a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from Michigan State University and holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.

Colin Brown

Chairman, JM Family Enterprises Inc.

Colin Brown is president and chief executive officer of JM Family Enterprises, Inc., a diversified automotive corporation ranked No. 21 on Forbes’ list of “America’s Largest Private Companies.” As president and CEO, Brown leads the entire organization, including JM Family’s Executive Management Team, which oversees the development and implementation of the company’s objectives and strategies for future growth.

Brown directs all of JM Family’s businesses, Southeast Toyota Distributors, the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyota vehicles; JM&A Group, one of the leading independent providers of finance and insurance products in the automotive industry; World Omni Financial Corp., a diversified financial services company; and JM Lexus, the largest volume Lexus dealership in the world.

Brown joined the family-owned business in 1992 as vice president and general counsel. He was appointed chief operating officer in 1997 and president in 2000. Brown was named CEO in January 2003, becoming the first non-family member to hold the titles of first president and then CEO.

Before JM Family, Brown served as general counsel and a member of the senior management team for two FORTUNE 500 companies. He was senior vice president, general counsel and secretary for Fuqua Industries, Inc. in Atlanta, Ga. and, prior to that, served as senior vice president and general counsel for Cannon Mills Company in North Carolina. He received his initial training as an associate of the Wall Street law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York City.

In April 2005, Brown was nominated by Governor Jeb Bush to serve as a member of The Florida Council of 100, which is comprised of the state’s key business leaders and serves to promote the economic growth of Florida and improve the economic well-being and quality of life of its citizenry. In 2008, he became a member of the Board of Directors for the Automotive Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in the automotive and related industries. He has also been a member of the Broward Workshop since 2003, a forum of top business leaders that addresses critical issues facing Broward County.

Since 2005, Brown has served on United Way of Broward County’s Board of Directors. Among his contributions is having helped the organization develop its Community Impact Model, designed to enhance donor interest, increase funding for pressing issues facing Broward County and improve outcomes for people in need. He is also a member of the organization’s Tocqueville Society, founded by United Way of America to recognize individuals who have rendered outstanding voluntary service in their communities. As president and CEO of JM Family, Brown leads the company’s annual United Way giving campaign.

Additionally, since naming Habitat for Humanity of Broward as one of JM Family’s signature volunteer program partners in 2004, Brown has led the company’s support of the organization through both corporate contributions and volunteerism.

Brown currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Youth Automotive Training Center, a tuition-free, nine-month training program that educates disadvantaged youth in basic automotive repair, academic remediation, job readiness and life-management skills. Brown is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Florida TaxWatch, a private, non-profit research foundation dedicated to ensuring the tax dollars of Florida’s citizens and businesses are being spent fairly and productively. He is a former board member of the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) and served as chair of the 2004 Urban League of Broward Equal Opportunity Day Awards Dinner.

Brown is often recognized for his corporate and community leadership. Florida Trend magazine recognized him as the 2015 Floridian of the Year for raising JM Family’s minimum wage to $16. Brown was also named the Broward County Business Leader of the Year by the Sun Sentinel, one of its four Excalibur Awards for 2011. The annual award honors individuals who distinguish themselves and contribute to the improvement of communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Additionally, Northwood University recognized Brown as part of its 2011 class of Outstanding Business Leaders for his professional and civic accomplishments.

Brown graduated from Duke University School of Law with a juris doctorate and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass. He is on the Board of Advisors for Duke University School of Law and is a board member of the Williams College Alumni Fund. Raised overseas in a Foreign Service family, Brown resides in Lighthouse Point, Fla. and he has three children.

Mary Buchzeiger

President & CEO, Lucerne International

Mary Buchzeiger is the president and CEO of Lucerne International, a leading global automotive supplier headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI. Lucerne produces innovative cast, stamped andforged assemblies. Mary has grown the business exponentially by expanding into threecontinents and five countries since she took the helm in 2008.

Mary is committed to playing a key role in the continued growth of Michigan’s automotive industry. She believes that by creating and maintaining international relationships and emphasizing the significance of diversity in the workplace, one can inspire innovation leading to advancement. Mary deems the art of negotiation as the single most important skill necessary to succeed in business, and believes in the significance of understanding cultural differences to grow relationships abroad.

Dedicated to philanthropy, Mary feels strongly that giving back to the community is one of the most imperative and rewarding aspects of being a business owner. Mary is an advocate for women empowerment and believes that the automotive industry can benefit from a more diverse talent base. As a WBE certified business owner, Mary is heavily involved in women–focused initiatives such as the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council and Inforum. She also supports non–profit organizations, Winning Futures and The Children’s Center in Detroit, both of which support children’s education with the objective to teach youth practical skills to help them transition into the workforce.

Mary sits on several boards including the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, MICHAuto Steering Committee Board Member with the Detroit Regional Chamber, and Board Advisor of the Detroit Chinese Business Association. In addition, she’s been honored with numerous awards for her work in the automotive industry including Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Women in Manufacturing, National Association of Women Business Owners Top Ten Women in Global Business, and the Business Success Story Award from the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Marc Cannon

CMO & EVP, Communications, Digital & Public Policy, AutoNation

Marc Cannon is a member of AutoNation’s Executive Management Team; he is responsible for overseeing the company’s marketing, advertising communications, community affairs, and public policy departments. Marc has more than 30 years of executive-level experience as an automotive industry communications, branding, advertising and public policy professional.

During his tenure with AutoNation, Mr. Cannon has been instrumental in the growth of the company into the country’s largest and most successful automotive retailer with nearly 300 locations. In particular, he supervised AutoNation’s brand launch from coast-to-coast. Marc was an integral part of the executive team that launched AutoNation Express, the company’s industry leading transactional digital platform, which seamlessly integrates the customer’s in store and online experience. Mr. Cannon also spearheads the company’s multi-year mission to raise funds to fight cancer, through the DRV PNK campaign. Marc has successfully positioned the company as the leading voice in automotive retail. Mr. Cannon was instrumental in introducing the Road Runner into AutoNation’s advertising campaign.

Prior to joining AutoNation, he served as Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing for Blue Dot Services, a national network of home repair and services contractors. He had previously served as Vice President of Internal Communications for Republic Industries, Vice President of Marketing, Advertising and Communications for AutoNation USA, and Vice President of Advertising for Alamo Rent A Car. In his time with Alamo, Marc was part of the team that grew the company from 15 locations to more than 100 locations nationwide, and expanded the company to Europe. He also helped develop the “Where all the miles are free” campaign, a pioneering advertising and operational effort that changed the way vehicles are rented in the United States.

Mr. Cannon has a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from the University of Miami. He is a member of the Arthur Page Society, the most distinguished honor society in the communications industry, and he has served on the University of Florida Public Relations Advisory Council. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Automotive Hall of Fame and was honored by Automotive News with the All Stars Award for Public Relations/ Communications, the only recipient from an automotive retailer to be granted this honor.

Nelda Connors

Founder and CEO of Pine Grove Holdings, LLC

2020/2021 AHF Industry Influencer

Nelda J. Connors is the founder and serves as the Chairwoman and CEO of Pine Grove Holdings, LLC, a woman and minority-owned privately-held investment firm. Pine Grove Holdings acquires and operates small-to-mid-sized businesses with highly-engineered products and services.

There are 10 portfolio companies in Pine Grove Holdings, LLC, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary in August 2021. The investments are primarily in stand-by power generators, specialty logistics and transportation, systems as a service (SAAS) and advanced engineering and processing of materials.

Prior to Pine Grove Holdings, Connors was an executive, managing several divisions of global automotive and industrial corporations, including Tyco International, Eaton Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler Corporation.

In December of 2010, she led the IPO of Atkore International, as its CEO, taking the $2.5 billion global revenue, electrical and metals division of Tyco International, public under the NYSE ticker, ATKR. In addition to success as a C-level executive, her experience and governance expertise has been sought out as she currently serves as a public board member for BorgWarner Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, EnerSys Corporation, and Baker Hughes Company.

Connors is also an independent advisor to the board of Nissan North America, Inc. and serves on the board of the all women-led, Queen’s Gambit SPAC (NYSE:GMBT).

She is s an adviser to Southworth International Group, Inc., and Vibracoustic, AG, both privately held companies. Her prior roles include Class B director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago during the global financial crisis (2013 – 2017) working with chairs Bernanke and Yellen. She was also a member of the boards of Delphi Technologies plc, Echo Global Logistics, Inc., CNH Industrial NV, Clarcor Corporation, Vesuvius plc and Blount International.

Connors has lived and worked a significant portion of her career in Japan, Germany and China. She attained a bachelor’s and master’s of science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio, her birthplace. She also attended post-graduate studies at the University of Tokyo in Japan under a Rotary International Japan Fellowship.

Philanthropically, she was invited to join the Robert F. Kennedy, Human Rights Board of Directors and she serves as a director to the HBCU, Xavier University of Louisiana – her parents’ and siblings’ alma mater. Formerly, she was director of the Chicago Chapter of the National Urban League. Her other noteworthy accomplishments and recognitions include: 2019 Women’s Inc. Most Influential Corporate Directors, 2019 Black Enterprise Registry of Corporate Board Members, National Association of Corporate Directors Board Leadership and Governance Fellow, 2010 Black Enterprise Top 75 Powerful Women in Business, and 2009 Chicago United Business Leaders of Color.

Board of Directors

Senior Managing Director and President, Wealth Family Services, Chevy Chase Trust

Larry is responsible for providing comprehensive wealth planning advice and overseeing services to families, individuals, foundations and endowments.

Prior to joining Chevy Chase Trust, Larry was Managing Director and Senior Resident Officer at Bessemer Trust Company, responsible for all aspects of wealth management services and operation in the mid-Atlantic region. From 1998 to 2005, he served as Senior Vice President with U.S. Trust Company. Before that, Larry was Vice President and Department Head in Corporate Lending and Middle Market Lending at Mellon Bank, Maryland National Bank and its predecessor, American Security Bank. He began his career in the executive management training program at Riggs Bank.

Larry earned his undergraduate from Georgetown University. He is currently a member of the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board. Larry is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Canterbury School where he was a graduate of the class of 1977 and the Board of Next Generation Choice Foundation (also known as LessCancer.org), as well as a member of the Meridian Global Leadership Council. He is Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), a former member of the Suburban Hospital Foundation Board (a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine), and past Member of the Executive Committee and Board of Advisors at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Larry is also a former Treasurer and Executive Committee member of the Board of The National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center and a former Board member of Junior Achievement of the National Capitol Area. He had been a Board member and Treasurer of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Larry is also a former member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Council of the United States and Teach for America – D.C. Region. He was named a Finalist for the 2015 SmartCEO Money Manager Awards and has been listed a number of times as one of DC’s Best Financial Advisors by Washingtonian Magazine in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Julie Fream

President & CEO, Original Equipment Suppliers Association

Julie Fream is the President and CEO of Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). She launched and executed a plan to prepare OESA for the next 15 years, including updated communications and business frameworks. She promoted and improved key relationships with automakers, revamped the organizational staffing and culture to an inclusive, team-driven environment and grew membership over 12 percent.

Prior to joining OESA, Julie was Vice President, North American Customer Group for Visteon Corporation and held various other executive roles within Visteon. She played a critical role in Visteon’s bankruptcy and emergence including planning and implementing all aspects of global communication. Prior to that, she also held management roles at TRW, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation.

Julie is the Vice Chair Beaumont Health’s Board of Directors. She is also the Audit and Compliance Committee Chair and on the Governance Committee. She joined the Beaumont Health Board of Directors following the merger of Beaumont Health System, Oakwood Healthcare and Botsford Hospital into a $4 billion non-profit healthcare system in 2014.

Regan Grant

Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Marketing Leader, EY

Dave Habiger

President & CEO, J.D. Power

Dave Habiger currently serves as the President and CEO of J.D. Power.

Previously, Habiger served as a Director and CEO of Textura (NYSE: TXTR), a global construction management software and payments company; CEO of NDS Group, a television software and security company; and President and CEO of Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), a consumer software firm. Habiger serves on various public and private boards.

Habiger previously served as Chairman of a governmental Electric Vehicle Commission to design infrastructure for charging stations and he is a long-standing member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and was named as an Entrepreneur of the Year award winner by EY.

Habiger currently serves as a director on the Chicago Federal Reserve Board. He is on the SABOR (Systems Activities, Bank Operations, and Risk) Committee and the Governance & HR Committee for the Federal Reserve.

He is on the advisory board of directors at the University of Chicago and on the Board of Trustees at Rush University Medical Center. He holds a BBA from St. Norbert College and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Omar Hoda

Principal, Deloitte Consulting

Brad Holden

President & Partner, Holden Richardson LLC

Brad Holden is a Founder of Holden Richardson — a boutique executive search firm founded in 2016. He has over 25 years of recruiting experience. Prior to Holden Richardson, Brad founded North Line Partners, a boutique firm in 2010. Prior to North Line, Brad was with Heidrick & Struggles, where he served as Practice Leader, Global Automotive and as a Partner in the Global Industrial Practice from 2004 to 2010. For two years, he also served as the Managing Partner of the firm’s five Midwest offices. Before joining Heidrick & Struggles, Brad was the Office Managing Partner of TMP Worldwide, while also serving as Co-Leader of the Global Industrial Practice. Prior to TMP, Brad’s search experience included nearly 10 years with Korn/Ferry International, where he served as President of the Global Industrial and Energy Practices his last few years with the firm.

Prior to entering executive search in 1992, Brad served in both Illinois government and industry. He began his career in government. After serving as an Illinois Staff Assistant to U.S. Senator Charles H. Percy [R-IL], he first served the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and later the Illinois Attorney General, as Chief of Staff. He later joined Container Corporation of America [CCA] as a Senior State Issues Manager, and FMC Corporation as a public affairs advisor to FMC’s Chairman and CEO.

Ben Kaminsky

General Manager, SEMA Garage Detroit

William Kozyra

Mr. Kozyra is the retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of TI Automotive Ltd., a global supplier of automotive fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology. He also served as TI Automotive’s CEO. Prior to that, Mr. Kozyra was President and CEO of Continental AG North America for 10 years. He was also a member of the Executive Board, Continental AG (DAX), Hanover, Germany, with responsibility for Continental AG’s NAFTA businesses. Previously, at ITT Automotive, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Brake and Chassis Systems North America. Prior to joining ITT Automotive, he was Vice President and General Manager of Bosch Braking Systems’ Brake Products Division. Mr. Kozyra is a member of the Board of Directors of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), the Ford Motor Company Top 100 Supplier Forum, the Board of Trustees of the Notre Dame Preparatory School, the Boy Scouts of America Executive Board in Detroit, Michigan, the Board of Advisors of the University of Detroit and the University of Detroit Alumni Council and the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Margery Krevsky Dosey

President, Productions Plus-The Talent Shop

Margery Krevsky (Dosey) is the founder and CEO of Detroit-based Productions Plus – The Talent Shop (PPTTS) – the leading supplier of auto show product specialists in the country. The company provides some of the world’s best-known brands with full-service talent management and event staffing in automotive, brand representation, product demonstration and film/TV/voice-over.

PPTTS clientele includes: automotive manufacturers, (including the top three global OEMs), marketing and advertising firms, movie and casting companies and Fortune 100 companies. They are the largest, premier full-service talent management agency in the Mid-West.

Ms. Krevsky is widely known for changing the view and role of women at auto shows by transforming how the auto industry employed models. Her assertion that beauty and brains were not mutually exclusive was the basis of what is now a $62M company.

Through her efforts to emphasize technical training and communication skills along with physical appearance, a new industry standard emerged: auto show models of the past are now product specialists – highly-trained experts for the vehicles they represent.

This philosophy has led to a steady financial and professional growth for the company. Each year PPTTS adds another group of clients using their “one on one” approach. In 2009 Production Plus acquired Michigan-based The Talent Shop. Today, PPTTS is the largest SAG/AFTRA-franchised talent management agency in Michigan and continues to grow its automotive business.

PPTTS has expanded from being the #1 supplier of product specialists in the national auto shows to global events and marketing venues. Supporting these global and national markers are four offices: Detroit Metro Area, Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York City. Their new office in Dallas will open this spring.

At home, Ms. Krevsky enjoys art and gourmet cooking. She is the author of Sirens of Chrome: The Enduring Allure of Auto Show Models.

Robert H. Kurnick, Jr.

Vice Chairman, Penske Corp. & President, Penske Automotive Group

Robert (Rob) H. Kurnick, Jr. is the Vice Chairman of Penske Corporation and President of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. In addition to his appointment as Vice Chairman of Penske Corporation in 2017, Rob served as the President of Penske Corporation since 2003 and President for Penske Automotive Group since April 2008.

Rob has held various positions within the Penske organization since he joined the Company in 1995. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Rob serves on the Board of Directors for Penske Corporation and Penske Automotive Group. Rob also serves on the Executive Committee of each of these Boards.

In addition, Rob serves on the Board of Trustees for Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Penske Corporation is a closely-held, diversified, on-highway, transportation services company whose subsidiaries operate in a variety of industry segments, including retail automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics and professional motorsports. Penske Corporation manages businesses with consolidated revenues in excess of $26 billion, operating in more than 3,300 locations and employing over 53,000 people worldwide.

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., (NYSE:PAG) headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is an international transportation services company that operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships principally in the United States, Canada and Western Europe, and distributes commercial vehicles, diesel engines, gas engines, power systems and related parts and services principally in Australia and New Zealand. PAG employs more than 25,000 people worldwide and is a member of the Fortune 500 and Russell 2000. For additional information visit the company’s website at www.penskeautomotive.com.

Lori Lancaster

Vice President, Rush Group Companies

Lori Rush Lancaster serves under Andra Rush as vice president of the Rush Group of Companies, which owns and operates Rush Trucking Corporation, Dakkota Integrated Systems and Rush Supply Chain Management. Rush Group is one of the largest woman-owned businesses in Michigan, and among the largest Native-owned enterprises in the United States.

In December 2013, Ms. Rush Lancaster moved with her family to Michigan from Massachusetts, where she previously served as a critical care nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. In January 2014, she joined Detroit Manufacturing Systems, a tier-one automotive supplier formerly owned by Rush Group, in service to the president and CEO, dedicated to operational launches and corporate negotiations. Since February 2015, she has functioned as corporate executive for business development, collaborating with the COO of Dakkota Integrated Systems on launches, special projects and business proposals. She also reports directly to Ms. Rush on matters related to quality and customer satisfaction for each business and participates in customer marketing and diversity leadership events and initiatives.

Eric A. Logan

Principal - Industrial Manufacturing Strategy; Operations Center of Excellence

Eric currently serves as Principal in the Industrial Manufacturing Strategy Practice and Lead of the Operations Center of Excellence (Ops CoE) at KPMG, LLC. The Ops CoE while national in its engagement, is based out of the firm’s Detroit office and comprised of professionals with industry experience primarily in automotive and increasingly aerospace and other industrial products. In his role, he serves C-suite clients at both large and small companies in cost management, supply chain optimization, procurement, and operating strategy. Additionally, he serves as the firm’s U.S. lead for their global industry 4.0 initiative. Eric and the bulk of his team at KPMG are avid car enthusiasts and have participated in automotive engagements throughout the automotive supply chain. He is also the Partner sponsor and lead of KPMG’s Cleveland Inclusion and Diversity Council, as well as the lead of the Diversity Council for the Columbus Hub, which includes the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Louisville offices.

Prior to working at KPMG, Eric held the position of Vice President and General Manager of Special Metals Welding Products Company in Newton, North Carolina, a subsidiary of Precision Castparts Corporation (PCC). Previously at PCC, he held positions of Vice President of Commercial at the PCC Revert Group, General Manager of McWilliams Forge Company, Division Manager at Huntington Alloys and Vice President of Business Strategy for PCC Forged Products. Prior to PCC, he was an Executive Advisor for international strategy firm, Booz and Company. He has also worked in various positions in metallurgy, quality and operations in the steel industry for LTV steel, International Steel Group, and NorthStar BHP Steel.

Throughout his career and life, Eric has also maintained a dedication to community and civic service. In Cleveland, he currently sits on the boards of Team NEO, Esperanza, Inc, and the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center. Nationally, he previously served on the National Advisory Council of “A Better Chance, Inc.,” a program of which he is an alumni, that helps place underprivileged minority students into top notch secondary schools. Eric has previously been recognized by A Better Chance as a “Rising Star” and Crain’s Cleveland Business as a member of the 2011 “40 Under 40” class.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Science degree in materials science and engineering from Stanford University in Stanford, California a Masters of business administration degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bill Long

President & CEO / Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)

Bill Long is President and Chief Operating Officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of MEMA, which exclusively serves and represents North American aftermarket product manufacturers. He also serves as Executive Vice President Government Affairs for MEMA, representing the business interests of all four MEMA divisions (AASA, HDMA, MERA, and OESA).

Mr. Long is a respected and highly recognized industry leader with more than 30 years of automotive experience in all sectors of the automotive industry.

Prior to joining AASA in 2012, Long served as president of Long Strategies LLC and as managing partner of BC Partners LLC, providing strategic planning, brand relevance, and leadership services to the automotive industry.

Bill is most recognized for his 25 years at Echlin/DANA, where he lead the company’s Engine Management Division and as Executive Vice President, North American Operations for Proliance International, a leading manufacturer of temp control and heat exchange products.

Long is also well-known in motorsports circles, where he served as a corporate officer for NASCAR in Daytona Beach and as a top executive for the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Long serves on the board of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) and as member of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board and the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Board. Long is also a past chairman of the National Car Care Council.

Mr. Long was awarded the prestigious MEMA Triangle Award and Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award, both recognizing his work in educating federal lawmakers and serving as a technical expert on issues concerning the industry’s access to vehicle on-board diagnostics and repair information. Long was honored with the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award for his contribution and dedication to the motorsports industry.

Evan Lyall

CEO, Roush Enterprises, Inc.

Mr. Lyall began his career with Roush as a summer intern for Jack Roush Performance Engineering (JRPE). During his 34 year tenure with Roush, he has led the company’s growth from 23 employees to over 4,000, with a global footprint and revenues approaching $500 million.

Mr. Lyall has held various positions in Roush’s accounting, finance, operations, and motorsports activities, and was appointed CEO in 2001. He has been an integral part of the leadership team that has transformed JRPE into Roush Enterprises. The Roush Enterprises companies include Roush Industries, a multinational firm engaged in engineering, product development, manufacturing; Roush Performance, developer and manufacturer of performance vehicles and products for the automotive aftermarket; and Roush CleanTech, developer and manufacturer of propane fuel systems for truck platforms serving the fleet vehicle market.

Mr. Lyall also serves on the Board of Directors of Roush Fenway Racing (RFR), one of the world’s largest motorsports management organizations. As Managing Director, Mr. Lyall oversees the RFR’s business operations. Most recently, Mr. Lyall has overseen the implementation of Roush’s very successful diversifications strategy, expanding the company’s customer base into the theme park, defense, aerospace, and oil and gas industries. Today, Roush’s customers include Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, Disney, Google, Navistar, Bell Helicopter, and Aramco.

A member of the Board of Directors of the Business Leaders of Michigan, a non-profit, executive organization focused on making Michigan a top ten state for jobs and economic growth, Mr. Lyall is engaged in a number of civic organizations. Mr. Lyall and his wife, are active supporters of the Cornerstone Schools and a number of other local charities.

Kent MacDonald

President & CEO, Northwood University

Dr. Kent MacDonald is a highly regarded leader in the higher education sector. He comes to Northwood University from St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), one of Canada’s oldest and most respected universities, where he has served as president and vice chancellor since 2014. Prior to his term at StFX, Dr. MacDonald also served as president of Algonquin College, one of Canada’s largest and most innovative colleges and one of the country’s leading online education providers.

Kent brings more than two decades of higher education leadership experience to Northwood. In addition to his two presidential appointments, Dr. MacDonald has also served as academic vice president, vice president student services, dean, school of business and full professor. With this range of expertise, Kent is well prepared to support the Northwood staff in a variety of operational areas, including strategic enrollment management, finance, information communication technologies, student athletics, residence operations and areas related to student services.

Dr. MacDonald has many years’ experience in private fundraising and philanthropic outreach. While at StFX he launched a $50 million endowment to enhance access and affordability for students; as well as oversaw the completion of a $100 million campaign to create an academic research center.

Dr. MacDonald earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Ottawa (Ottawa, Ontario) and his Master of Education (MEd) degree from StFX University (Antigonish, Nova Scotia). He is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) where his doctoral research focused on high-performing colleges and presidential leadership. Dr. MacDonald’s research interest is related to the higher education sector and effective leadership. In this regard, he has addressed audiences around the world including Europe, Southeast and Central Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Dr. MacDonald is married to Mary-Ellen MacPhee, who is also a lifelong educator. She is an experienced school principal who is currently completing her PhD, with a focus on student success and inclusion. They met over thirty years ago when they were undergraduate students in Nova Scotia and have since lived in New Zealand and in Ontario. They have four children (Adam, Matthew, Meagan and Patrick) who reside in various parts of Canada.

Chris Magana

VP & General Manager Original Equipment NA Consumer Tires, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Vice President, Original Equipment, North America Consumer

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Christopher Magana is Vice President, Original Equipment, North America Consumer for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. As a key leader in the execution of sales growth and a proven record in product innovation, Magana is responsible for developing and executing OE strategy, developing strategic business partnerships with customers and expanding relationships with global automotive manufactures.

Magana joined Goodyear in 1994 and has held positions that include Director Customer Marketing & Category Management, General Manager Tire Category Teams and General Manager, National Tire Retailers.

Magana holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Illinois State University. He is also a graduate of the Senior Leader Development Program and Great Leader Academy, Harvard Business School.

Fred Minturn

President & CEO, MSXI

Fred Minturn has been the president and CEO at MSXI since 2009. In this role, he oversees the company’s two main service groups, Human Capital Solutions and Retail Network Solutions and manages the company’s bottom line and business model to expand and grow the company globally. Prior to his current position, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer, where he succesfully led the company through the automotive crisis.

Before forming MSXI, he served as vice president and controller of the automotive operations group for Taylor, Mich.-based MascoTech, a predecessor company to MSXI. Minturn has also worked as a controller with Creative Industries Group, Inc. and as a CPA.

Minturn sits on the board of directors for MSXI, the Automotive Hall of Fame and Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation. In 2012, he was invited to join Business Leaders for Michigan, an organization dedicated to making Michigan a top-notch state for job, economic and personal income growth. He has served in various publicly elected positions, most recently as treasurer of the Grosse Pointe Shores Board of Education for five years.

Minturn graduated in 1978 from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He earned his Certified Public Accountant certificate in 1980.

Mark Petroff

President & CEO, OneMagnify

Mark Petroff is driving Marketing Associates’ development as a technology enabled provider of marketing and analytics services.

“Investments in interactive technologies, creative services and database analytics have positioned Marketing Associates as a leader in providing integrated marketing solutions,” he says. “Our plans are to leverage these capabilities, while strategically pursuing organic growth and diversification through acquisition.”

Before joining Marketing Associates, Mark was a Partner in the Financial Advisory Services practice of Deloitte. He served as the global leader for the practice’s Automotive industry segment as well as a General Securities Principal in Deloitte’s investment banking group, Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance LLC.

In addition to Marketing Associates and Deloitte, Mark served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy’s Submarine Force. His experience included training assignments in the Nuclear Propulsion Program, engineering assignments at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and operational duty aboard a nuclear powered submarine. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a BS in Aerospace Engineering with Merit from the United States Naval Academy.

Mark is also active in many charitable and professional organizations including serving on the Board of Directors of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Commissioning Committee for the USS Detroit (LCS-7), Automotive Hall of Fame and the University of Michigan Greater Detroit Campaign Leadership Council.

Stephen R. Polk

President & CEO, Highgate LLC

Stephen Polk is President / CEO of Highgate, LLC. a private investment company in Birmingham, Michigan.

Throughout his career, Stephen has been highly successful in helping businesses achieve maximum results. After graduating from Denison University in 1978 with a BS Biology degree, Stephen worked as a research and teaching assistant at Northern Michigan University before taking a job with R. L. Polk & Co. in 1981.

Stephen held various positions throughout the Polk organization until he was elected president in 1990. He added the title of Chief Operating Officer two years later, and, in 1994, was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of R. L. Polk & Co., when the business was sold to IHS in July 2013.

Keeping active in local business and civic concerns, Stephen serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Cranbrook Educational Community, Vice President / Director for the Detroit Zoological Society, Vice-Chairman of the Detroit Regional Chamber, 2017 Chair of the Mackinac Policy Conference and is on the boards of the Automotive Hall of Fame, College for Creative Studies, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and The Nature Conservancy (Michigan). He also serves on the board of directors of Fifth Third Bank of Southeast Michigan and Wiland Inc. headquartered in Longmont, CO.

Terry Rhadigan

Executive Director, Communications Operations, General Motors

Terry Rhadigan is responsible for the next phase of the transformation of GM Communications, managing the centralized functions, including program operations and fleet management, the IT tools for both internal and external communications, risk management and budget as well as lead the Operational Excellence initiative.

Previously, he led product and technology communications for General Motors from March 2012 through September 2015, overseeing product launches and auto shows, media relations, marketing communications, crisis communications and executive support. During this time, he led the team through an unprecedented product renaissance, launching award-winning vehicles such as the Cadillac CTS and ATS; Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, Volt and Impala; Buick LaCrosse and Encore; GMC Sierra and Canyon; and Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado.

He also led technology communications, including innovations such as 4G LTE, autonomous, electrification, OnStar and R & D, serving as communications strategist to the President of North America and Executive Vice President of Global Product Development.

Prior to 2012, he was Director of Communications for GM Global Product Development, covering global design, engineering, program management and quality, supporting then-Senior Vice President, Mary Barra.

Rhadigan joined GM Communications in 1997, where he’s held a variety of positions, including managing safety, legal and internal communications. He has led global auto show and program operations; Chevrolet communications; and North America regional and grassroots activities.

Before moving to communications, Rhadigan worked at the GM Foundation, managing GM’s employee volunteer and disaster relief programs and other community and charitable initiatives.

Rhadigan started his General Motors career in 1988, serving in a front-line position at the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center. A year later, he transferred to St. Louis, Missouri, holding various field positions in customer and dealer support. In 1991, he returned to Michigan and joined the Chevrolet Marketing Center.

Rhadigan was born and raised in the Detroit area and earned a bachelor of arts degree from Michigan State University in 1987. He’s a member of Leadership Detroit and serves on the Board of Directors of Loyola High School in Detroit, Michigan. He and his wife Andrea are the parents of two teenage boys.

Kristin Ritter

Automotive Business Development Director, PwC

Kristin Ritter leads PwC’s automotive business development. For more than 25 years, Kristin has been a strategic marketing and sales executive developing unique programming initiatives for the automotive industry. Prior to her position in business development, she was PwC’s global automotive marketing and media relations leader. She brings her innovative thinking and passion for the automotive industry to her clients. She understands industry challenges and finds solutions.

Prior to joining PwC, Kristin was founder and president of Black Otter Marketing serving business-to-business and business-to-consumer companies. She has worked with a number of leading Fortune 500 brands providing overall marketing strategy and brand management to build businesses, improve customer loyalty and increase sales for automotive, professional service firms, retail, sports/entertainment and other industries.

Kristin is a Northwood University graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing/Management and an Associate’s degree in Advertising. She is a Leadership Detroit XXXIV graduate and member of the Automotive Press Association.

Kristin’s community and volunteer involvement includes; Detroit Athletic Club Board of Directors (2015-present), MICHauto Steering and Advisory Committees (2011-present), AutomotiveNEXT Executive Committee (2017), Belle Isle Conservancy—Marketing Committee (2014-present), American Cancer Society of Southeast Michigan Cattle Baron’s Ball Executive Committee (2013-2017) and former Children’s Home of Detroit Board of Trustee (1997-2007).

Michael Robinet

Executive Director - IHS Markit Automotive Advisory

Mr. Michael Robinet serves as managing director of the Automotive Global Advisory practice at IHS Markit. His responsibilities include production forecasting, tracking future product programs (FPPs), analyzing sourcing and production strategies to serve OEM/component manufacturer, supplier and government entities throughout the industry. He has been widely quoted on global automotive industry trends and topics in leading print, radio and TV, and he frequently presents at global OEM and supplier conferences and symposiums. Mr. Robinet helped design the world’s first contiguous database developed to forecast sales, production and sourcing linkages for the global automotive industry. He has over two decades of experience in automotive forecasting, strategic analysis and manufacturing finance.

He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the Automotive Press Association (APA) and the Detroit Economic Club (DEC). He is also active on several boards. Currently, he is active with the Original Equipment Supplier Association (OESA), a past board member of the Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) and is a founding director of the Canada-US Business Association (CUSBA). Mr. Robinet’s university degrees from the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, include a Bachelor of Social Science in Developmental and Macro Economics and an MBA with an emphasis on Finance.

Bret Robyck

Executive Vice President of Sales, NAPA

Bret Robyck has spent 30 year with NAPA. After graduating from Liberty University, Bret began working as a sales representative for NAPA in 1992. He went on to hold a variety of positions with the company including office manager, operations manager, general manager, division vice president, and senior vice president of sales. He has held the title of executive vice president of sales since 2022.

Steve Rowley

President, Cox Automotive

Neeta Salvi

CFO, ZF Group

Sean Silver

Senior VP-Michigan Market Executive, Global Commercial Banking, BofA Securities, Inc., Bank of America, N.A.

Board of Directors

President & CEO, NADA

Mike Stanton serves as NADA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, working across the organization on strategy and operations, as well as development of new business opportunities. Mr. Stanton also oversees NADA’s dealership operations, membership, information technology, human resources, economics and data analytics and affinity programs.

Mr. Stanton rejoins NADA from the NADA Used Car Guide, which was sold to J.D. Power in 2015. Prior to its acquisition, Mr. Stanton was the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Used Car Guide. Mr. Stanton also served as an Executive Director of Industry Affairs for NADA, where he served as the association’s primary liaison between automotive manufacturers and dealers. Prior to NADA, Mr. Stanton worked for two automobile manufacturers primarily assisting dealers with their sales and service operations.

Mr. Stanton received a bachelor’s degree in political science from James Madison University and an MBA from Virginia Tech.

Jason Stein

CEO, Flat Six Media

Jason Stein is the CEO of Flat Six Media. Previously, he was the president of motormindz and directed the editorial and commercial operations for Automotive News.

Mr. Stein joined Automotive News as a Detroit-based reporter in October 2003 before transferring to Automotive News Europe’s Munich, Germany headquarters in 2005. Two years later, he was named publisher of Automotive News Europe, a responsibility that included the management of the news and commercial operations, covering 32 European countries as well as marketing, digital, audience and event activities. In 2009, Mr. Stein moved back to Detroit to oversee the editorial operations of Automotive News. In 2012 he added the responsibility of associate publisher, then publisher in 2013.

In 2016, he oversaw the launch of two new media products: Automotive News Canada, a digital media outlet and a monthly print magazine; and Fixed Ops Journal, a semi-monthly print magazine focused on auto retail operations.

In late 2015, Automotive News helped form the first annual Crain Communications/Michigan State University Detroit Journalism Program for aspiring journalists within the City of Detroit.

He holds a position as a juror for the World Car of the Year Award and Ford’s annual Salute to Dealers recognition program at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention and has served as a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan and United Way.

Scott Turpin

President & CEO of Aisin World Corp. of America

President and CEO, Aisin World Corp. of America

Scott Turpin is president and CEO of Aisin World Corp. of America (AWA), the sixth largest Tier One supplier of automotive components in the world. Turpin oversees Aisin’s North American OE Sales and Sales Planning Division in Northville, Mich., and operations in Seymour, Ind., in addition to the company’s Aftermarket business in Torrance, Calif. He also led the strategic planning and opening of new Aisin Aftermarket facilities in Dallas, Nashville and Panama. Turpin is also responsible for logistics operations in Detroit, Laredo, Texas, and Los Angeles. A managing officer of parent company Aisin Seiki, Kariya City, Japan, Turpin has been with Aisin Group for 22 years.

Previously, Turpin was president of Aisin Drivetrain, Inc., Crothersville, Ind., a global supplier of trans-missions for the automotive and forklift industries, and steering columns for passenger cars and trucks.

Before joining Aisin, Turpin was general plant manager at the Borg Warner powder metal facility in Livonia, Mich. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in mechanical engineering technology from Purdue University, and attended the Executive Management Program at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He and his wife, Beth, are the parents of two adult sons.

Scott Vazin

Group Vice President, Chief Communications Officer, Toyota Motor North America

Scott Vazin is group vice president, chief communications officer for Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). Vazin is responsible for the company’s external and internal communications and public relations activities. His role includes product and brand communications for the Toyota and Lexus brands; corporate reputation; social media and stakeholder engagement; investor relations; sales, motorsports, and manufacturing communications.

Previously, Vazin was vice president of corporate and regional communications for Toyota Motor North America where he oversaw regional and technology communications, corporate reputation management, corporate and financial media relations and agency management and analytics.

Prior to joining Toyota in 2014, Vazin was executive vice president of group communications for Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. In this role, Vazin was responsible for all aspects of corporate communications for the Volkswagen Group and Volkswagen Brand, including corporate media relations, product communications, public relations campaigns, internal communications, community partnerships, philanthropy and investor relations.

Formerly, Vazin was director of product and consumer communications for Nissan and Infiniti. He also held a variety of other key communications positions, including serving as general manager, corporate and product communications for Nissan Europe.

He started his automotive career at Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America in 1990.

Vazin received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from California State University at Long Beach.

Joseph Vitale

Joe is retired from his role as US and Global Automotive Sector Leader and global lead client service partner (LCSP) for one of the largest automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). He was responsible for delivering Deloitte’s multidisciplinary solutions, including consulting, enterprise risk management, tax, and financial advisory services to automotive companies worldwide.

Ed Welburn

Principal of The Welburn Group

2017 AHF Inductee & 2009 Distinguished Service Citation Awardee

As just the sixth head of design for General Motors and the first person ever to lead GM Design globally, Ed Welburn is one of the most influential vehicle designers of his time. Welburn was born in 1950 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His love of cars was evident almost from birth, but it truly blossomed when his parents took him to the 1958 Philadelphia International Auto Show where the Cadillac Cyclone concept car was on display.

It was then that Welburn decided he wanted to become an automotive designer. He later wrote a letter to a designer at GM, asking what he should do to become one, and received a response which advised him to keep sketching cars and to study industrial design. Welburn enrolled in Howard University’s fine arts program in 1969, where he studied sculpture and product design. After graduation, he was hired as an associate designer at the Advanced Design Studios for General Motors. Though he was the first African American designer ever at GM, Welburn did not immediately realize the significance of his position. However, he quickly understood that he was in the spotlight.

Welburn would later join the Oldsmobile design studio, where he worked on projects like the Cutlass Supreme. In 1987, he was charged with managing the creation of the Oldsmobile Aerotech, a concept car that fellow Automotive Hall of Fame Inductee A.J. Foyt drove to a record-setting 257 mph. In 2005, Welburn was asked to become the first head of Global Design for GM and tasked with uniting all ten of GM’s design centers and 2,500 employees. It was a monumental undertaking, but one that has produced an impressive collection of successful designs such as the latest Corvette and the revived Camaro, as well as groundbreaking concepts like the Cadillac Ciel, and Buick Avista.

In addition to unifying all of GM design, Welburn holds the distinction of having been the highest-ranking African American in the global automotive industry. His retirement in 2016 capped off an impressive 44-year career at GM that brought a bounty of beautiful vehicles into the world.

Welburn was also awarded the Distinguished Service Citation when he was Vice President of General Motors Global Design. When appointed to this position in 2003, he became the first African American to lead a major automotive design house and only the sixth person to lead GM Design in the company’s 100-year history. He manages 1600 creative designers and sculptors who staff GM’s 11 Global Design studios.