Ford Leaders Recognized as Some of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women

PEKIN, Ill., – Crain’s Detroit Business list of the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan has been released and it includes some of Ford’s own! The award’s purpose is to acknowledge outstanding leaders influencing key decisions across industries, companies, academia, and in civic and policy organizations in Ford's home state of Michigan. Below are the Ford leaders recognized as some of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women:

Birgit Behrendt

Vice president, global programs and purchasing operations

"I was never afraid to ask questions — it is not a sign of weakness. In fact, asking the right questions can be very powerful."

Originally from Germany, Behrendt is supervisor to 2,800 people worldwide at Ford. She is responsible for using Ford’s global scale to increase operational efficiency. She is also involved in Ford’s Diversity Council and diversity efforts to support women, minorities, and veterans.

Donna Inch

Chairman and CEO, Ford Land

"Success doesn't come from just showing up," she said. "I always liked that quote by Henry Ford: 'Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.' If you think you can do it, you can. You just have to plot out how you get there."

Graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Inch has held many finance titles at Ford. She was once manager of worldwide revenue and manger of North American truck pricing. She has been CEO since 2010. Inch leads Ford Land, as well as Ford’s 10- year plan to modernize its research and engineering practices in Dearborn, Michigan.

Marcy Klevorn

Vice President and CIO

"You can think about technology and assets, but if you can't find something special in the people that work here, you're not going to get the job done."

Graduate of the University of Michigan, Klevorn was once a consulting program manager on Ford’s purchasing system, as well as IT director for Ford Europe. Before gaining the title of Ford’s first female CIO in 2015, she was the director of the CIO office. She is now responsible for 11,000 employees.

Crain’s Detroit Business has honored Detroit women in the past, but this is the first time that women from across the entire state of Michigan are being considered for the honor. We are proud to report these Ford leaders recognized as some of Michigan’s 100 Most Influential Women.

If you’re interested in buying a vehicle this summer, be sure to head over to our How to Buy page to read about the buying process. If you’ve been wondering about how leasing works, check out the similar page on How to Lease. If you can’t decide between the two, our Buying vs. Leasing page will break down the pros and cons of each so you can feel comfortable with whichever decision you make!

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