2024 Have Lunch with An Executive Auction Bios
Jan Griffiths is not just a participant in the automotive industry's evolution; she is its trailblazing architect. Known for her electrifying energy and direct approach, Jan has the goal of becoming a beacon for cultural transformation within the industry.
Armed with the skills she learned in the Welsh farmlands and a degree from the University of Wales, Jan moved to the United States at 23. She rose through the corporate ranks of the auto industry, ultimately serving as Chief Procurement Officer for a $3 billion, Tier-1 global automotive supplier. She earned a spot on Automotive News’ list of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry.
Beyond corporate achievements, Jan has a passion for culture change. She formed Gravitas Detroit as a testament to her commitment to cultivating the next generation of industry leaders. Her podcast, the Automotive Leaders Podcast, features interviews with well-known corporate leaders like Stephen M.R. Covey and Dr. Andy Palmer, known as “the Godfather of the EV” and former CEO of Aston Martin.
Thomas Kowal is the CEO of Leggera Technologies, leading a team with exceptional expertise in Magnesium Thixomolding and Precision Molded Magnesium. With over two decades of experience in management, business development, and operations in the automotive and manufacturing industries, Thomas is dedicated to driving innovation and excellence.
Before joining Leggera Technologies, Thomas was the President of Seraph Consulting, where he transformed organizations and achieved significant operational improvements. His strategic vision and deep industry knowledge have consistently delivered results.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Aviation Science and Administration from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science degree from Northwestern University. He further enhanced his leadership skills at the INSEAD Institute in France and Singapore, completing the Transition to General Management program.
Lori Rush Lancaster is the Vice Chairwoman of Dakkota Integrated Systems, one of the largest women and Native American-owned and led manufacturing companies in the United States. A results-driven executive and automotive industry expert, she leads a team focused on providing quality, safety, inclusion, and opportunities to employees and customers.
Lori brings expertise across multi-disciplines as the leader of Dakkota. Prior to becoming president, she worked in several roles for The Rush Group, the parent company of Dakkota. As vice president, she was a key contributor in delivering operational goals, aligning strategy and managing public affairs, in addition to leading diversity and inclusion across all companies. Her specialties include business development, operational excellence, safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. She has served as a board director for Dakkota Integrated Systems since 2015.
Rush’s mission is to create profitable and sustainable career opportunities in underrepresented communities across the U.S. and Canada, including Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario.
As president, she is committed to leading the company forward on its vision to run the most trusted, inclusive, and purpose-driven manufacturing plants in the United States in order to transform the communities where they operate. Dakkota Integrated Systems manages the complete assembly and sequencing of complex modules for OEMs and Tier One suppliers, while generating sustainable career opportunities in underrepresented communities across the United States and Canada.
Prior to her career in business, Lori served as a critical care nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a position that prepared her to be a highly effective leader: managing complex and constantly changing environments; making decisive data-driven decisions; and practicing empathy and listening.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts.
Collin Shaw is the president of MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers. He has also served as chief commercial vehicle officer for MEMA, chief operating officer for the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers and president and chief operating officer of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), MEMA’s former commercial vehicle supplier division.
As MEMA’s president, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers will leverage technology to enhance connectivity with members, expand its reach to meet the changing dynamics of the industry and promote global competitiveness. Shaw is focused on strengthening the position of suppliers at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
Before joining MEMA in 2022, Shaw was responsible for North American business strategy at ZF Group. He has more than 15 years of experience in the mobility industry from the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. He has worked for several global companies and brands, with roles in marketing, communications, strategy, digital solutions, and business development. At FCA (now Stellantis), Shaw served as Jeep’s global brand manager and in Chrysler’s Leadership Development Program. While at WABCO, he partnered with heavy-duty OEMs to develop advanced technology roadmaps.
Kathi Walker is Director, Global Sustainability Strategies for General MOtors. Kathi leads GM’s global efforts to meet Science Based Targets (Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions) commitments and Carbon Neutral goals, Energy and Water Efficiency, Circular Economy, Human Rights, and the GM Sustainability Report and other ESG disclosures. Kathi began her career 30 years ago as a GM Co-op student and progressed through engineering and leadership roles in validation, design release, launch, interiors, performance, propulsion, chassis, integration & energy. Prior to joining Sustainable Workplaces in 2021, Kathi was Senior Manager of Global CO2 Strategy, leading a team of analysts and strategists responsible for developing strategies and plans to meet greenhouse gas requirements in all regulated regions of the world. Kathi holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University and a Master’s in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic University.
