The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), presented three awards to outstanding automotive industry leaders who advocate for the use of steel in automotive applications.
The award winners were recognized at SMDI’s annual Men and Women of Steel Awards luncheon during the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The awards include a $2,500 donation in honor of each recipient to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Foundation to help students, educators and corporations excel in STEM fields by providing educational programs and scholarships.
SMDI’s Industry Innovator Award acknowledges an automotive designer or engineer who identifies industry challenges and implements new grades of steel as the solution. The 2019 Industry Innovator Award was presented to Joe Riggsby, principal engineer, upperbody design group, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. for employing more than 50 percent ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) in the 2019 Acura RDX. The RDX also touts the world’s first UHSS inner and outer door ring system.
The SMDI Community Hero Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose work using steel impacts the quality of life of the community. This year’s Community Hero Award recipient is Carla Bailo, president and chief executive officer, Center for Automotive Research (CAR).
Under Bailo’s leadership, CAR’s objective materials research has been indispensable in driving industry innovation. Bailo has spent 35 years making an impact in the automotive industry and continues to be a prominent resource. Her extensive and well-rounded experiences leave an abiding impression on the auto industry.
The inaugural SMDI Manufacturing Leader Award is presented to an individual who implements steel for intended automotive applications and collaborates to overcome manufacturing challenges.
The 2019 Manufacturing Leader Award recognized Doneen McDowell for her exemplary leadership as manufacturing executive director of General Motors North America. McDowell has served in leadership positions in nine different GM plants covering stamping, assembly and powertrain. In 2015, she was recognized by Automotive News as one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry. With more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry she encourages diversity in the workplace and serves as a mentor and role model to many in manufacturing.
Published in the February 2019 Edition