Detroit, July 20, 2011 – The Detroit Regional Chamber board of directors, today, voted Charles G. “Chip” McClure, chairman, CEO and president of Meritor, Inc., chairman of the board for the 2011-2012 year. Henry Ford Health System CEO Nancy M. Schlichting was voted first vice chair, and as part of her role, will chair the 2012 Mackinac Policy Conference, held on Mackinac Island on May 30, 31 and June 1, 2012.
“I’m very pleased to assume this leadership role with one of Michigan’s premier business advocacy organizations. During the next year, I look forward to focusing on the Chamber’s seven “to-do” items which are framed by three key elements: regional collaboration, economic development and education,” said McClure. “At the Detroit Regional Chamber, we are committed to improving the quality of life in Michigan, now and in the future, through close collaboration with business and government leaders, public partners and private sector investors.”
Schlichting commented on her role as first vice chair. “I believe Henry Ford Health System’s role as an anchor organization in Detroit provides me with a unique perspective on the role of business in the community, and how we can make a difference,” Schlichting said, referencing the Midtown collaboration occurring between a number of institutions, including Henry Ford. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Sandy Baruah, who is a talented, energetic and strategic leader, to focus the Chamber on economic development, a new level of collaboration with government leaders, key groups and organizations across the state, and to build on the positive momentum created at this year’s Mackinac Conference.”
McClure joined Meritor, a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets, in 2004. Prior to this position, he served as CEO, president and a member of the board of Federal-Mogul Corp. Before joining Federal-Mogul, McClure served as President, CEO and a Member of the Board of Detroit Diesel. He joined Detroit Diesel in 1997 after 14 years in a variety of management positions with Johnson Controls. In addition to his seat on the Detroit Regional Chamber board, McClure is a member of the Business Roundtable, and is active on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), R.L. Polk and Company, Business Leaders for Michigan, Horizons Upward Bound and Invest Detroit.
Schlichting is Chief Executive Officer of Henry Ford Health System, a nationally recognized $4 billion health care organization with 23,000 employees. She is credited with leading the health system through a dramatic financial turnaround and for award-winning patient safety, customer service and diversity initiatives. Nancy Schlichting joined Henry Ford Health System in 1998 as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. In 1999 she became its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2001 she assumed an additional role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Ford Hospital, and is credited for its financial turnaround. In June 2003, Schlichting was named President and CEO of Henry Ford Health System. In addition to her seat on the Detroit Regional Chamber board, she is a member of The Kresge Foundation Board, Walgreen Company Board, American Hospital Association Board, Michigan Health and Hospital Association’s Foundation Board, Federal Bank of Chicago Board – Detroit Branch, Greater Detroit Area Health Council Board, Citizen’s Research Council of Michigan, Detroit Economic Club Board, Downtown Detroit Partnership Board, United Way board and Michigan Women’s Forum.
