Auto CIOs Join Technology Leaders for MCWT Summit

More than 800 technology professionals met at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center on May 31 for the sixth annual Executive Connection Summit hosted by the Michigan Council of Women in Technology and sponsored by FCA US LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors. Business leaders including Davide Ferina, Chief Information Officer, FCA – North America discussed artificial intelligence and how it will affect IT careers, the way we do business, and how we work together.

CIOs Convene to Discuss Artificial Intelligence

“Every day we experience the benefits of artificial intelligence, from detecting credit card fraud and targeted advertisements based on our individual habits to personalized mobile apps and smart speakers,” said Ferina. “The automotive industry is no exception as autonomous vehicles and smart city concepts are gaining traction in this new era of technology, which will drive dramatic change, as well as provide women with more opportunities to be leaders of tomorrow.” 

MCWT’s network brings together a diverse group of stakeholders who understand that creating opportunities for women in the field of technology, as well as increasing the number of women in IT, strengthens competitiveness in Michigan’s growing IT sector and contributes to the state’s success. 

“MCWT is working toward its vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology and the Executive Connection Summit is a key component of that objective,” said MCWT President Rebecca Bray. “By bringing thought leaders and executives together, we are able to inspire attendees to advance in their careers and motivate a more diverse and competitive workforce.” 

The executives joined a panel discussion that explored how AI presents challenges and opportunities to today’s way of thinking about work, value, and talent. The panel featured Ferina; Ford Motor Company Vice President and CIO Jeff Lemmer; and The Dow Chemical Company Corporate Vice President, CIO and CDO Melanie Kalmar. 

“Not only are AI technologies critical for enabling our autonomous vehicles, but they are playing an increasing role in transforming our customer and employee experiences,” said Lemmer. “Supply chain risk identification, and in-vehicle predictive maintenance are just a few of the ways Ford is already applying AI to improve our customer and business operations.” 

The summit also explored how leading from an innovation mindset can be a driver of organizational success.  Journalist Lila Lazarus moderated a panel featuring General Motors Senior Vice President and CIO Randy Mott; Meijer Senior Vice President and CIO Terry Ledbetter; and GreenPath Financial Wellness President and CEO Kristen Holt.

Mott discussed the power of innovation to unlock potential across the company. 

“Innovative use of technology touches every corner of GM,” he said. “That’s true for our core business as much as it is for autonomous, electrification, data analytics, ride-sharing and other new transportation models. Tomorrow’s winners and losers will be determined by who is the most innovative in their business with what technology can offer.”

Lazarus and Diane Charles, vice president of corporate communications for Art Van Furniture, energized the crowd with Etiquette University for Networking and emphasized the importance of making meaningful, authentic connections.

“You can’t tweet a conversation or Facebook a handshake,” Lazarus noted. 

Additional event sponsors include TD Ameritrade, AT&T, Intel, Microsoft, Salesforce, Thirdware, Dynatrace, Nutanix, ServiceNow and VMWare.  

The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation’s mission is to inspire and grow girls and women in technology. The organization supports Michigan’s female IT workforce, students, corporate partners, schools and the overall community with programming, scholarships, networking, learning, mentoring, and technology experiences. Find more information at www.mcwt.org and connect via LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

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