CENTER FOR AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
- Owner
- President
Alan Amici is the President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).
Alan joined CAR after a 35+ year career with Chrysler and TE Connectivity, holding a variety of positions in engineering, manufacturing, and service. His roles at TE include
Alan is the owner of two patents and is the recipient of the Walter P. Chrysler Technology Award. He holds an MBA, a Master of Science degree, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors at Penn State Harrisburg and the Department of Industrial Engineering at Wayne State University. He is a graduate of the Chrysler Institute of Engineering.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Chief Technologist
- Former Vice President
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Marketing & Affiliates Program
Job Titles:
- Finance
- Vice President of Administration
Cherie VanAllen is Vice President, Administration and Finance at the Center for Automotive Research. She graduated with a Bachelor's of science degree in accounting from Ferris State University and has 20+ years of accounting experience.
Job Titles:
- CAR 's Operations Manager
- Manager, Operations
As CAR's operations manager, Deb Gable is responsible for facility management; a wide variety of accounting functions and provides administrative support to the Vice President of Operations and the Affiliates Program. She has been with CAR since 2004.
Prior to joining CAR, Deb worked in all aspects of accounting and provided administrative services for the Controller and the President of an automotive supplier company in Plymouth. She has worked in the accounting and administrative field for the past 23 years.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Administration and Events
Denise Zilch is the Manager, Administration and Events at the Center for Automotive Research. She has been with CAR since 2007. Her work involves tracking project expenses and revenues against budgets, preparing financial reports in accordance with contractual requirements, supporting the submission of project proposals, providing support and speaker coordination for CAR conferences, assisting with planning and administrative support for the Students@MBS Program, and various event logistics at CAR's Management Briefing Seminars, and coordinating meetings and draft minutes for CAR's Board of Directors. She also supports the activities of CAR's various programs including the Coalition of Automotive Lightweighting Materials (CALM), the Advanced Powertrain Thought Leadership Roundtable Program and the United Tooling Coalition, including treasury duties, meeting logistics and management of various initiatives.
Prior to joining CAR, Denise was an account manager with a human resource company in Ann Arbor. She also served in a research capacity at DaimlerChrysler, gathering and reporting relevant current events that could potentially impact corporate reputation and cause possible financial implications.
Denise has a Bachelor's degree in business administration.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
- Deputy Associate Laboratory Director for Programs / Argonne National Laboratory 's Advanced Energy
Dr. Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante's over 30 years of experience span the domains of strategy, technology, and innovation. He has applied his expertise in creating value in research leadership, management, product development, and operational excellence. Kwaku currently serves as the Research Technical Fellow at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).
Dr. Prakah-Asante's work in the automotive space has involved contributing and collaborating with OEMs, suppliers, government agencies, and academic institutions to provide strategic direction, deliver technology, and insights to promote innovation and an evolving viable ecosystem. Kwaku worked for Ford Motor Company in Research and Advanced Engineering before joining CAR. His overall contributions have involved the leadership, strategic development and application of computational intelligence, control systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), software, connectivity, and sensing methods to create and capture value.
Kwaku's contributions in the automotive industry have included Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), digital interior and interaction technologies, and automated systems. Additional value creation applications include customer state and behavior monitoring, and methods to enhance the customer ownership experience in automated and Electric Vehicles (EVs). Kwaku has been awarded over 125 US patents and has significant global patent filings. He has authored/co-authored over 210 technical and patent publications and delivered significant presentations at conferences, invited sessions, corporate, and media events.
Kwaku received his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in the area of control systems from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He received his S.B. degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He holds an M.B.A with High Distinction from the University of Michigan Ann-Arbor Ross School of Business.
Dr. Lisa Krusemark is an Industry Analyst at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).
In her role with CAR, she performs research and analysis for public and private industry stakeholders in areas related to education, training, and workforce development for the evolving needs of the automotive and mobility industry. Lisa is currently leading national and state-level research projects that focus on identifying critical job skills and training to support the energy transition in the automotive industry.
Prior to joining CAR, Lisa held roles as an academic and industry researcher with the University of Helsinki, the Mind Research Network, and as an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Millsaps College. Lisa completed her doctorate in psychology at the University of Georgia and her postdoctoral research training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Job Titles:
- Senior Industry Analyst - Technology
Dr. Snehasis Ganguly serves as the Senior Industrial Analyst at the Center for Automotive Research. Snehasis comes to CAR after a 22-year career at Ford Motor Company.
During his tenure at Ford, he held a leadership position in Tech Strategy and planning, accelerating Ford's push toward smart and connected vehicles. Prior to that, his experience at Ford was as an ED&T and Material cost reduction leader. He was also responsible for launching multiple Brakes and chassis programs and has multiple patents.
Snehasis was a Scientist at National Aerospace Laboratory in India specialising in fatigue and fracture. His first job out of college was as a Scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) where he worked with early launch vehicles.
Snehasis has a Ph.D. from Clarkson University, NY in Mechanical Engineering under a United Technology fellowship. Snehasis has a B. Tech (Hons) and M. Tech in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur.
Job Titles:
- CTO
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
- Corporate CTO for American Tower
- CTO / American Tower Corporation
- Senior Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm
Ed Knapp is the corporate CTO for American Tower. He is responsible for leading the company's global innovation program, technology investments and strategy.
Prior to joining American Tower in 2017, as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm, Ed Knapp was responsible for their New Jersey Corporate Research Center from which he managed a diverse engineering team with researchers and product engineering staff across India, Israel and the US. Mr. Knapp has more than 38 years of communications technology experience with over 30 years invested in the development of the global wireless industry from 1G to 5G, including CxO leadership roles in 3 start-ups.
At Qualcomm, Ed established the FSM TM small cell product line and managed advanced R&D projects including mmW 5G, mobile & vehicular device to device (V2X) technology, localization technology as well as various licensed and unlicensed spectrum applications. Ed joined Qualcomm with the acquisition of OFDMA leading start-up Flarion Technologies in 2006. Before joining Flarion, Knapp was the chief technology officer of PacketVideo Corporation, a pioneer in delivering end to end multimedia software for streaming of MPEG4 video to mobile devices. Prior to PacketVideo, Knapp co-founded and served as the senior vice president of engineering and chief technology officer of the MVNO operator NextWave Telecom, Inc. Mr. Knapp also served as the executive director of technical services for Bell Atlantic/NYNEX Mobile (Verizon Wireless) where he was responsible for design, buildout and operation of the New York Metro area 1G and 2G cellular system.
He received a master's of business administration from Columbia University, his master's of science degree in electrical engineering from Polytechnic University (NYU) in New York, and a bachelor's degree in engineering from Stony Brook University. Ed currently has 5 granted US patents and 1 pending application.
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
- Vice President
- Vice President, Advanced Engineering & External Relations
Jada Smith, vice president - advanced engineering & external relations, is responsible for driving Aptiv's advanced engineering roadmap, in addition to her role in promoting Aptiv's technology with external stakeholders. She is also responsible for leading initiatives to drive gender diversity in Aptiv's engineering workforce.
Previously, Mrs. Smith was Global Director - Software EOS and Tools at Aptiv's Advanced Safety and User Experience division (formerly Electronics & Safety). She began her automotive career in 2004 as a software engineer at Electronics & Safety and following several progressive engineering and managerial roles in infotainment and corporate engineering, was named to her current role.
Named one of Automotive News 2017 "Rising Stars", Mrs. Smith also led Aptiv's Agile transformation, a journey focused on improving quality and efficiency.
Mrs. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
- Industry Executive
- President and CEO / Alliance for Automotive Innovation
John Bozzella, a veteran auto industry executive, is president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (Auto Innovators). From 2014 until the establishment of Auto Innovators in January 2020, he served as president and CEO of the Association of Global Automakers, the trade association whose members included the U.S operations of international automobile and light-duty truck manufacturers that sold products in the United States. Previously, John served as a Senior Operating Executive for Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company, LLC, where he worked with the firm and its portfolio companies on a range of public policy and economic development matters. He served as Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy at Chrysler Group in 2009, and Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy for Chrysler LLC from 2007 to 2009. In this capacity, he mobilized government support to significantly restructure Chrysler. At Chrysler, John worked closely with the federal government and other automakers on a substantial advanced technology vehicle loan program and on the development of new fuel economy standards. In addition, he worked with state governments to gain funding for restructuring, training, and development. From 2005 to 2007, John spent two years with DaimlerChrysler Corporation as Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy for the Americas. John was with Ford Motor Company from 1994 to 2005 in positions in public policy, and government and community relations, and labor relations. Prior to joining the automotive industry, John served as New York City's director of state legislative affairs under Mayor David N. Dinkins. He began his career in public policy as the Director of Legislative and Political Action for the United Federation of Teachers. John is a graduate of Cornell University.
Joyce has a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and has 20 years combined experience in Automotive, Defense and Academia. Her roles in CAR include proofreading/editing various CAR publications.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Innovation Officer
Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad, who goes by Prasad, serves as the Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) at the Center for Automotive Research.
Prasad comes to CAR after a 26+ year career at Ford Motor Company. During his tenure at Ford, he held a broad range of leadership roles in R&D and innovation acceleration across Ford's global Vehicle Components & Systems Engineering organization, and most recently in Corporate Strategy. During that time, he co-founded and led Ford's Silicon Valley Labs in Palo Alto, California.
Prior to joining Ford, Prasad was a Senior Research Scientist at the Ricoh California Research Center. Prasad earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University, both with an emphasis in computer engineering. He earned an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the IIT Madras, and a B.E. in Electronics and Communications Engineering from NIT Trichy, University of Madras, where he received a distinguished alum award.
Job Titles:
- Global Business Executive
- Strategic Advisor
Marios is a global business executive with broad experience in Infotainment, Connected Car, Autonomous and Electric Vehicles, and Software Quality
Most recently, Marios served as Engineering Vice President and Head of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Connected Car, Infotainment, and Corporate Software Quality, where he led the creation and launch of the award-winning Uconnect Infotainment Systems and Services.
Marios brings extensive Automotive and Cellular experience from Motorola, where he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Automotive Electronics Group. He is credited with pioneering in-vehicle telematics and telecommunications solutions.
Marios also brings M&A experience having worked in private equity involving major tech and industrial transactions. He, also, held Board positions in private Tech Companies
Marios graduated with a BSEE from the University of Illinois and attended the Executive Leadership Program at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. He holds two US Patents.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Marketing & Communications
- Executive Director for a Local Chamber of Commerce
- Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Mark Garrison is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Center for Automotive Research (CAR). Mark brings nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, strategy, and communications with experience in the political, education, small business, and non-profit sectors. From building websites to digital ad campaigns to interview prep and print production, Mark has directed all sorts of initiatives. For the past 10 years, Mark has led the marketing efforts and events planning for the Industrial & Systems Engineering Department at Wayne State University where he has helped expand their programs and industry relationships. He has a certificate in Training from the Association for Talent Development, is a certified Behavioral Elements Guide, and is an experienced international trainer.
Mark has served as an Executive Director for a local Chamber of Commerce, District Liaison for a State Legislator, and District Representative for a Member of Congress. He has served as a Campaign Manager and Political Communications Consultant for multiple Congressional, State Legislative, County, and Local political campaigns.
Mark has always been involved with his community and has served in a multitude of roles to reflect this interest. He served as a school board trustee for the Clarenceville School District, a board member for his Home Owners Association, a member of the Livonia Jaycees, and a JCI Senator.
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
- President and CEO / Peterson American Corporation
- President and CEO of Peterson American Corporation
Mike Putz is President and CEO of Peterson American Corporation. PAC is a designer and manufacturer of highly engineered springs, wire forms, retaining rings, clamps, stampings, and a variety of related sub-assemblies. The Company serves a diverse set of end markets that span automotive OEM, industrial, motorsport/racing, truck & trailer, heavy equipment, and consumer products.
Previously, Mike was President & CFO of Alco Manufacturing. Prior to that, he spent eight years at MPI Products, including four years as Chief Operating Officer and four years as Chief Financial Officer.
Mike holds a B.A in Accounting from Walsh College and an MBA from Wayne State University. He is a CPA licensed in the State of Michigan and a member of both the MICPA and AICPA.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Marketing Associate
Morgan Stickley is a Marketing Associate at The Center for Automotive Research (CAR). She has experience in marketing, such as managing social media, content creation, graphic design, and event managment. Morgan received a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the Grand Valley State University.
Job Titles:
- Director of Government Research Programs
Ms. Ann Schlenker serves as the Director of Government Research Programs at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Ms. Schlenker previously served at Argonne National Laboratory as the Director for the Center for Transportation Research. Her research portfolio delivered low carbon solutions for transportation at the component, vehicle and transportation system level. She led university student vehicle competitions in advanced powertrains and connected and automated vehicles. She was awarded the Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award from the Department of Energy Vehicle Technology Office in 2021.
She testified to the U.S. Congressional Committee on Science, Space and Technology and to the U.S Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportations in 2019 discussing technology advances in transportation. Prior, Ms. Schlenker spent more than 30 years with Chrysler Engineering in Product Development, serving in a variety of executive positions.
Job Titles:
- Founder and CEO of Savari
- General Manager, SBU
- Technology Executive
Ravi Puvvala is a seasoned technology executive with a rich background in connected, autonomous, shared, and electric vehicles. With a deep-seated expertise in growth strategy, generative AI, and cybersecurity, Ravi currently lends his extensive experience to the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) as an advisor. His insights are also sought by automotive startups innovating in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
Ravi's industry influence extends through his prior role at Harman International, where he was instrumental in launching a division for cybersecurity products in connected vehicles. As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, he spearheaded initiatives in V2X and cybersecurity, developing a platform to reduce the time to resolve cybersecurity breaches in vehicles. His leadership extended to serving on the board of directors of Auto-ISAC, facilitating critical information sharing and analysis amongst automotive OEMs and suppliers.
As the Founder and CEO of Savari, Ravi was pivotal in the company's journey to become a leading provider of V2X technology in 5G solutions for OEM auto manufacturers and smart cities. His efforts in securing contracts with global Auto OEMs and deploying roadside units across various state DOTs culminated in the successful sale of Savari to Harman.
Ravi has actively worked with researchers at University Transportation Centers, US DOT Volpe, Crash Avoidance Metrics Partnership, and other automotive organizations, sharing his expertise and fostering advancements in the field.
Holding a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University and Bangalore University respectively, Ravi's educational foundation has supported a career marked by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to transforming the automotive landscape.
Job Titles:
- Member of the CAR Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Business Development
Steve Polakowski serves as the Vice President of Business Development at the Center for Automotive Research.
Steve has spent 35 years in the automotive and mobility industry. Most recently he served as president of ESG Automotive Inc. where he was responsible for the North American operations of the global engineering services provider. ESG (now Cognizant Mobility) specializes in embedded electrical/electronics, IT systems and software solutions. Projects included consulting, electronic hardware and software development, integration, testing and training across numerous technical domains including eMobility, Connectivity, ADAS and Automated Driving and full vehicle E/E system development.
Prior to joining ESG, Steve worked in numerous roles at Magna International focused on advanced interiors/exteriors, electrical systems engineering, and embedded product development. He led global teams with responsibility for system optimization and integrated electronics from advanced concept through production.
Steve's education includes a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from General Motors Institute (Kettering University) and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. He is a member of SAE and serves on the Industry Advisory Board for the ECE department at Oakland University.
Tyler Harp is an Industry Analyst at the Center for Automotive Research. Tyler joined CAR in January of 2023, after gaining experience as a labor market analyst. Tyler previously was a market analyst for Allegis Global Solutions, providing labor market research and analysis for both US and global markets in support of numerous clients.
Tyler holds a Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Michigan Technological University. Tyler's graduate research focused on public economics through studying crime and community engagement.
Yen Chen is the Principal Economist at the Center for Automotive Research. His work focuses on economic fundamentals that influence automotive sales, production, and employment; and future trends in U.S. automotive industry. He is responsible for the U.S. automotive industry forecasts on sales, production, and employment. He joined CAR in 2006.
Prior to working at CAR, Yen worked as a legislative assistant for the Legislative Yuan, the legislative body of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Yen has a master's in Economics and an M.B.A., both from Eastern Michigan University. He has a bachelor's degree in Cooperative Economics from National Taipei University in Taipei, Taiwan. He is a member of National Association for Business Economics.
Job Titles:
- Information Technology Manager