Edsel B. Ford II, Former Board Member

FREE Zoom Meeting February 22, 2024

10:30 AM – Gene Nelson: Start FREE meeting.

11:00 AM– Speaker introduction: Andy Acho.  Matthew Godlewski is Vice President, International Government Affairs and Vice President, Government & Community Affairs, Ford of Europe. 

Introductory remarks by the speaker followed by Q & A.

12:00 PM – Gene Nelson: Other FREE business and conclusion.

Registrants will receive a zoom invitation prior to February 22. It will allow recipients to join the meeting and participate in the Q & A.

Note: For those members who fail to register by the closing date, but would like to join the meeting, the invitation will be accessible by logging in to the web page, www.fordretireeclub.org and looking under Latest News.

MATT GODLEWSKI

Matthew Godlewski is Vice President, International Government Affairs and Vice President, Government & Community Affairs, Ford of Europe.  He was appointed to these roles in January 2022.  In his international role, Godlewski oversees a global team responsible for advancing the Ford+ plan outside of the U.S. through trusted governmental relationships and policy expertise.  In addition, he manages Ford’s global trade policy strategy and international political risk portfolio. 

In Europe, Godlewski is responsible for shaping evolving policy priorities and negotiating investments in key markets with governments to support the business plans of Ford Model e, Ford Blue, and Ford Pro.  He also oversees community outreach and engagement.  Godlewski is based at Ford of Europe’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

Godlewski joined Ford Motor Company in 2017 as Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations and was appointed Vice President, U.S. Government Relations in 2020.  Prior to joining Ford, he was President of NGVAmerica, a national trade association dedicated to the development of a growing and sustainable U.S. market for heavy duty vehicles powered by natural gas.

From 2007 to 2014, Godlewski served as Vice President of State Affairs at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, where he led a team responsible for shaping policy issues on behalf of the world’s largest automakers. Prior to joining the automobile industry, he held policy and government affairs positions in Washington, D.C. with highly regulated alcohol and entertainment companies – Pernod Ricard USA, a division of the Paris, France based Pernod Ricard spirits and wine company from 2002 to 2016; and Seagram/Universal Studios from 1998 to 2002.

A graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College, Godlewski holds a bachelor's degree in American Public Affairs.

FREE Luncheon: Thursday, 16 May 2024

10:15 AM: Begin registration at Dearborn Country Club

11:00 AM: Lunch – $30, Flank Steak or Whitefish

 11:40 AM: Gene Nelson - Start FREE meeting; review agenda, upcoming speakers, other FREE business.

11:45 AM: Donna Inch - Introduce speaker: John Lawler, Chief Financial Officer

The Zoom session will start earlier and will go live at 11:40.

Introductory remarks will be followed by a question & answer discussion. Only in-person members will participate in the interactive Q & A. Zoom participants may submit questions in advance by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They will be consolidated and integrated into the Q & A by the moderator. The deadline for questions is 14 May 2024.

Please register by Friday, 10 May as meal counts must be provided for the kitchen. To register, login, click on the event and navigate to the bottom of the page. Click on Register, go to Menu Choice and make a selection.

Check the “I will attend this event” box and click the “Process Registration” button.  A confirmation message will appear at the top of the page when it refreshes.

If you have any problems trying to register, phone or text 248-767-6658 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; please don’t wait until the last minute. If you don’t register, we may not be able to serve you.

The Zoom invitation will be emailed to those who register for Zoom only. It will also be available at the Ford Retiree Club website after login under “Latest News” for those who are late in registering.

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JOHN LAWLER

Chief Financial Officer

 John Lawler is chief financial officer for Ford. As CFO, Lawler has overall responsibility for Ford’s Finance functions, including Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Treasury, Tax, Investor Relations, Economics, and Audit, as well as the Ford Credit business.

Lawler was previously chief executive officer of Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC and vice president, Mobility Partnerships, where he led the team developing and bringing to market driverless transportation services. Before that, Lawler served as vice president, Strategy, overseeing Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Data Insights and Analytics where he facilitated creation of Ford’s long-term enterprise strategy and helped deliver critical partnerships, including with VW and Mahindra.

Lawler served as vice president and corporate controller and chief financial officer, Global Markets, from 2016 to 2018. He has also held a number of roles throughout Ford’s global enterprise, including chairman and, chief executive officer of Ford China, and CFO) for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, based in Shanghai.  In the latter role, he was responsible for the financial strategy and analysis of the company’s operations throughout and helped set business strategy for the region.

He joined Ford in 1990 and subsequently served in a variety of roles in North America, Europe and Asia. His assignments included controller of Ford of Europe’s Product Development organization and a finance leadership assignment with Mazda in Japan. Later, Lawler was a key member of the team that led the company’s North American turnaround, serving as controller of U.S. Marketing and Sales from January 2007 until moving to China in 2010.  In the U.S. position, he was responsible for key business strategies including pricing and business planning, and led the company’s efforts to reduce complexity and overhaul dealer policies.

Lawler earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Knox College in 1988 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa in 1990. He and his wife, Inga, have three children.

FREE lunch with speaker Jagadish Sorab, Director of ICE Propulsion and Thermal Systems Engineering

FREE Luncheon: Wednesday, 19 June 2024

10:30 AM: Registration begins at Park Place

11:30 AM: Buffet Lunch – $30.00

 12:15 PM: Gene Nelson - Start FREE meeting; review agenda, upcoming speakers, other FREE business.

12:30 PM: Peter Dowding – Speaker introduction - JAGADISH SORAB, Ph.D. - Global Director of Ford’s Internal Combustion Propulsion and Thermal Systems Engineering (IPTSE)

The Zoom session will start earlier and will go live at 12:15.

Introductory remarks will be followed by a question & answer discussion. Only in-person members will participate in the interactive Q & A. Zoom participants must submit questions in advance by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They will be consolidated and integrated into the Q & A by the moderator. The deadline for questions is 17 June 2024.

Please register by Friday, 14 June as meal counts must be provided for the kitchen. To register, login, click on the event and navigate to the bottom of the page. Click on Register, go to Menu Choice and check Buffet or Zoom only).

Check the “I will attend this event” box and click the “Process Registration” button.  A confirmation message will appear at the top of the page when it refreshes.

If you have any problems trying to register, phone or text 248-767-6658 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; please don’t wait until the last minute. If you don’t register, we may not be able to serve you.

The Zoom invitation will be emailed to those who register for Zoom only. It will also be available at the Ford Retiree Clubwebsite after login under “Latest News” for those who are late in registering.

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JAGADISH SORAB, Ph.D.

Career highlights

Global Director of Ford’s Internal Combustion Propulsion and Thermal Systems Engineering (IPTSE) – responsible for the development and delivery of propulsion, aftertreatment, thermal, fuel and emission compliance systems for Ford vehicles worldwide.

30+ years of Ford Powertrain Leadership Experience.  Worked on Executive Teams that developed Ford’s ICE-to-BEV Supplier and Manufacturing Transition Strategy. 

Lead Global teams on propulsion programs with global supply base, international manufacturing footprint, and complexity of design, manufacturing, and market requirements.

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

University of Houston

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

University of Houston

FREE Luncheon: Wednesday, 24 July 2024

10:45 AM: Registration begins at Park Place

11:30 AM: Buffet Lunch – $30.00

12:15 PM: Gene Nelson - Start FREE meeting; review agenda, upcoming speakers, other FREE business.

12:30 PM: Speaker – Andrew Kernahan, Super Duty Chief Program Engineer. A Super Duty will be on-site for inspection after the meeting.

The Zoom session will start earlier and will go live at 12:15.

Introductory remarks will be followed by a question & answer discussion. Only in-person members will participate in the interactive Q & A. Zoom participants must submit questions in advance by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They will be consolidated and integrated into the Q & A by the moderator. The deadline for questions is 22 July 2024.

Please register by Friday, 19 July as meal counts must be provided for the kitchen. To register, login, click on the event and navigate to the bottom of the page. Click on Register, go to Menu Choice and check Buffet or Zoom only).

Check the “I will attend this event” box and click the “Process Registration” button.  A confirmation message will appear at the top of the page when it refreshes.

If you have any problems trying to register, phone or text 248-767-6658 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; please don’t wait until the last minute. If you don’t register, we may not be able to serve you.

The Zoom invitation will be emailed to those who register for Zoom only. It will also be available at the Ford Retiree Clubwebsite after login under “Latest News” for those who are late in registering.

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Andrew Kernahan, Ford Super Duty Chief Program Engineer 

Andrew Kernahan, Chief Program Engineer, leads the product development work for the 2023 Super Duty.

Kernahan was born in Newcastle upon Tyne and grew up in rural Northumberland, England. He attended Imperial College, University of London where he studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He also attended University of Detroit Mercy where he received a Master of Science degree in Product Development. In 2006 he received accreditation as a Chartered Engineer with what is now the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

He began his career in Electrical and Body Engineering for Ford Motor Company after graduating in 1994. Before emigrating to the United States in 1998, he worked in England, Germany and the United States.

In 2001, Kernahan moved into a Program Management position, working mainly on global small car programs before landing his first Chief Program Engineer role on the European 2015 Ford S-MAX and 2015 Ford Galaxy products in 2012. In 2015, he moved to The Lincoln Motor Company to lead the 2018 Navigator team, and in 2019, he was re-assigned to lead the Ford Super Duty team.

Kernahan is particularly proud of the recognition his teams have received with North American Truck of the Year wins for both the 2018 Lincoln Navigator and 2023 Ford Super Duty.

In his current role, he works to ensure all aspects of the team are working together to deliver program and business objectives, helping to resolve any conflicts when they arise, as well as making sure all of the vehicle systems work together seamlessly to deliver an exceptional experience for customers – consistent with the Built Ford Tough philosophy that Ford trucks are known for.

He likens his role to conducting an orchestra, and enjoys the consumer-driven, mass production, heavy engineering and technology application aspects of his position.

“Being able to lead the team that is responsible for the iconic Ford Super Duty is a privilege,” said Kernahan. “The most enjoyable part of my role is being able to work with the cross-functional team to define the Built Ford Tough experiences that our customers will live with throughout their ownership of the vehicle.”

FREE Luncheon: Wednesday, 21 August 2024

10:45 AM: Registration begins at Dearborn Country Club

11:30 AM: Lunch – $30.00  Flank Steak with Demi sauce, Herbed Baked Haddock with Lemon Butter, Vegetarian

12:15 PM: Gene Nelson – Opening remarks and speaker introduction

Lisa Drake, Vice President, EV Programs and Energy Supply Chain

The Zoom session will start earlier and will go live at 12:15.

Introductory remarks will be followed by a question & answer discussion. Only in-person members will participate in the interactive Q & A. Zoom participants must submit questions in advance by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They will be consolidated and integrated into the Q & A by the moderator. The deadline for questions is 19 August 2024.

Please register by Friday, 16 August as meal counts must be provided for the kitchen. To register, login, click on the event and navigate to the bottom of the page. Click on Register, go to Menu Choice and check your meal selection or Zoom only).

Next, check the “I will attend this event” box and be sure to click the “Process Registration” button.  A confirmation message will appear at the top of the page when it refreshes.

If you have any problems trying to register, phone or text 248-767-6658 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; please don’t wait until the last minute. If you don’t register, we may not be able to serve you.

The Zoom invitation will be emailed to those who register for Zoom only. It will also be available at the Ford Retiree Club website after login under “Latest News” for those who are late in registering.

 LISA DRAKE

Vice President, EV Programs and Energy Supply Chain

Lisa Drake serves as vice president of EV Programs and Energy Supply Chain, for Ford.  In that role she oversees development and delivery of EV products for Ford Model e and Ford Pro, including management of the supply chain for batteries, high-voltage power distribution and power electronics, together with battery manufacturing engineering.  Drake reports to Doug Field, chief EV, digital and design officer.

Previously, Drake was responsible for manufacturing engineering for Ford’s breakthrough electric vehicles and, before that, chief operating officer, North America, bringing enhanced focus to product launches, warranty reduction and material cost improvements. She also served as vice president, Global Purchasing, responsible for all category management processes and procurement functions across direct and indirect purchasing areas, as well as supplier technical assistance.

Drake spent more than 19 years in product development and engineering at Ford, with notable positions and contributions in cornerstone franchises such as F-150 and Super Duty trucks, as well as disruptive and emerging technologies as chief engineer, Global Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles.

In 2008, the Automotive Hall of Fame awarded Drake the Young Leadership and Excellence Award in recognition of her contributions and leadership in the growing field of electrification. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in business administration from University of Michigan.

FREE Luncheon: Tuesday, 8 October 2024 at The Dearborn Country Club

Kimberly A. Casiano was elected to the Ford Motor Company board of directors in 2003. She serves on the audit committee, nominating and governance committee and sustainability, innovation and policy committee.  She is the first Hispanic woman to serve on a Fortune 100 top five corporate board.  She is a very dynamic speaker and has many interesting stories regarding her contributions to the Ford Motor Company and the other Boards she serves on, as well as many other interesting corporate strategies that will be discuss.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and Latin American studies from Princeton University in 1979, graduating magna cum laude, and obtained her MBA from Harvard Business School in 1981.  When she was an undergraduate at Princeton University where she studied politics and Latin American history. Although there were not many Latino students in her class—she was one of only two from Puerto Rico—her Latin American studies courses were almost entirely composed of Latino students. To liven up the discussions in one of these courses, Casiano regularly argued against one of the few non-Latino students in her class, even when she agreed with his statements. She later learned he was Bill Ford, the great-grandson of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford.

If you live in Southeast Michigan, please consider attending this luncheon at The Dearborn Country Club in person to see and hear all that is planned to be covered, as well as provide the opportunity for you to personally ask her questions you may be interested in.  By attending in person, you can also see and hear what your fellow co-workers and other retirees are talking about, in addition to the primary meeting topic. 

Registration is open now until Friday, 4 October as meal counts must be provided for the kitchen.  To register for the event, go to the FREE Website, scroll down to the “Members Login” and then the “UPCOMING EVENT” to register for the meeting.  Click on Register, go to Menu Choice and check the meal selection (typically meat or fish), or check Zoom only (if you are unable to attend in person).  If you prefer a special meal for your personal dietary requirements, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know at least 5 days in advance of the meeting.

Next, check the “I will attend this event” box and be sure to click the “Process Registration” button.  A confirmation message will appear at the top of the page when it refreshes.

If you have any problems trying to register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; please don’t wait until the last minute. If you don’t register, we may not be able to serve you.  Send us a message at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need some help in getting transportation to Dearborn for the meeting.  We will try to find others in your area that you can “hitch” a ride with.

The Zoom invitation will be emailed to those who register for Zoom only. It will also be available at the FREE Website the day of the event.

MEETING SCHEDULE:

10:45 AM: Registration begins at Dearborn Country Club

11:30 AM: Lunch – Pot Roast or Whitefish - $30.00

12:15 PM: Gene Nelson – Opening remarks

12:30 PM: Andy Acho – Introduction and brief video – Kim Casiano, Ford Board of Directors

The Zoom session will start earlier and will go live at 12:15.

Following Kim Casiano’s presentation will be a question & answer discussion. Only in-person members will be able to participate in the interactive Q & A. Zoom participants should submit questions in advance by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . They will be consolidated and integrated into the Q & A by the moderator.

Looking forward to seeing you all!