FCA US Quality Engineer Earns 2019 Black Engineer of the Year Gerald Johnson Legacy Award

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., February 11, 2019 /3BL Media/ - U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine awarded its 2019 Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Gerald Johnson Legacy Award to Tanya Foutch, Quality Engineering Supervisor, FCA US LLC.

Foutch joins a growing list of diverse FCA US leaders recognized over the years for their technical achievements, management skills, leadership and community service.

Foutch received her award at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Engineering Deans Power Breakfast on February 9 in Washington, D.C. This annual awards event is attended by distinguished HBCU engineers, deans and other prominent leaders from industry, academia and the military. The breakfast was part of BEYA’s 33rd Global Competitiveness Conference that took place February 7-9.

“I am very pleased Tanya received this prestigious award earned through her ongoing commitment to FCA US as an engineering leader and her passion for engaging youth about the promise and career opportunities of the STEM fields,” said Mark Champine, Head of Quality - North America, FCA – North America. "Tanya’s commitment to the Company and to her community are an inspiration to her colleagues and to me personally.”

Foutch was named Resident Engineering Supervisor at FCA US transmission plants in Kokomo and Tipton, Indiana, in 2016. In this role, she leads a team focused on identifying quality issues for the Company’s current and future portfolio of products.

Foutch graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. She earned a master’s degree in business administration in 2000 from Anderson University in Indiana.

Foutch is an enthusiastic advocate of STEM education for youth in her community and actively engages and mentors young women interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Since 2017, Foutch has been the energy and passion behind a successful annual STEM summer camp for youth in the Kokomo area.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive recognition for my accomplishments,” Foutch said. “I thank God for blessing me with the gifts, abilities and life lessons that have allowed me to be a help and an encouragement to others. My family, friends and peers have been a vital part of my growth and success. It is my honor and responsibility to share my life lessons with the community and the next generation of women leaders.”

U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine also honored Modern Day Technology Leaders at the conference, defined as “bright, high-performing women and men shaping the future of engineering, science, and technology who demonstrate superior technical skills and leadership capability.”

The following FCA US employees earned recognition from BEYA as Modern Day Technology Leaders for 2019:                      

• Mesgana Asmelash - ADAS Verification & Validation Engineer, Product Development (Electrical Engineering)
• BranDee Tatum - Maintenance Area Supervisor, Manufacturing (Trenton South Engine Plant)
• Jasmine Tompkins - Value Optimization Lead, Product Development (Interior)

FCA US has a longstanding commitment to recruiting diverse talent and supporting STEM education initiatives for minorities, including supporting organizations such as BEYA, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers and others.

The Company also supports various organizations that advance the careers of women in STEM professions, including Michigan Council of Women in Technology, the Society of Woman Engineers and Inforum’s AutomotiveNEXT.
 
About U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology Magazine
U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine provides news and information about black engineers, technologists and entrepreneurs, as well as information on programs such as the Black Engineer of the Year Awards and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Gerald Johnson Legacy Award is named for the 2014 BEYA Career Achievement in Industry Award winner, Vice President of North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations, General Motors. 
 
About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA is an international automotive group listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”

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Contact:
Mike Palese
(248) 512-2682 (office)
(313) 930-1252 (cell)
michael.palese@fcagroup.com

Valerie Oehmke
(248) 512-0497 (office)
(248) 462-4867  (cell)
val.oehmke@fcagroup.com