2000 AUTOMOTIVE NEWS 100 LEADING WOMEN AWARDS

Education: B.S., industrial engineering, Syracuse University; M.B.A., marketing concentration, Syracuse University

First automotive job: Engineering intern at GM Truck and Bus, 1980

Proudest achievement: "I would have to say, given my very good fortune at being part of the Saturn launch team and working on the launch plan and initial advertising, (my proudest achievement) was the very first time I saw our launch television ad on the air. I was at home when I saw it, and I knew I was part of something very different and groundbreaking. I was proud to have responsibility for that and to be a part of that. It was a new way of approaching the automotive market."

On being successful: "I think it's a combination of a lot of passion for the work I do and a desire to make a difference. That is probably my No. 1 priority. I like to go home at the end of day and know that I've accomplished something to help the organization move forward. As a result it keeps me energized, in good times and in bad. The automotive industry is cyclical; you have to be able to maintain passion and commitment through both."

On being a woman in the industry: "I think the work you do affects you and is part of your personal growth. I've seen enormous change in the past 20 years. My philosophy is, at the end of day, it's the smartest people that are going to make a difference, and it's my goal to be a part of that."

Career highlights:

Positions at General Motors include:

• 1992-99 Director, Advertising, Marketing and Advertising, General Motors North American Operations
• 1988-92 Advertising Manager, Saturn Corp.
• 1984-88 Manager, Consumer Research and Analysis, Marketing and Product Planning Staff for General Motors
• 1983-84 Industrial Engineer, Fisher Body Division, General Motors, Syracuse, N.Y.