Education: B.A., mathematics, Mississippi State University; M.B.A., Southern Methodist University

First automotive job: Process Information Officer, Business Services, General Motors, 1996

Proudest achievement: "Obtaining an M.B.A. through the SMU Executive Program while working full time."

On being successful: "My success comes from having great teams of people to work with to solve business problems using IT."

Career highlights:

Positions at Texas Instruments include:

• 1994-96 VP, Research and Development, TI Software
• 1973-94 Positions ranging from programmer to director of business systems