Lisa Frary, 43
Vice President, Engineering, Autoliv
Education: B.S., mechanical engineering, University of Wyoming
What your college professors didn't teach you: "Good writing skills and the business element of decision making."
First automotive job: Design engineer for airbag modules at Morton International in 1992
Career highlights
- 1997-2003 Plant manager, airbag module facility, Autoliv Inc., Ogden, Utah
- 1997 Production manager, Autoliv
- 1996-97 Design engineering manager, Morton International/Autoliv ASP
- 1995-96 Process line manager, Morton International
Most fun automotive job: "Design engineer for airbag modules."
Proudest achievement: "Airbag module plant manager and the turnaround of Autoliv's Ogden, Utah, plant."
Current challenge: "Trying to streamline and improve the quality of the launch process."
On being successful: "It comes from fully understanding the current situation and identifying the root cause before acting."
What about the auto industry surprised you: "The lack of teamwork between suppliers and the customers."
What women need to know for success in the auto industry: "Sufficient confidence in themselves."
Job to which you aspire: "It's not so much the job but a position that I can contribute and add value."
What you do to relax: "Golfing, fishing, hiking and four-wheeling."