Denise Gray, the 2017 Technologist of the Year, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2022 for leadership in developing and producing electronic controls and battery systems for electrified passenger car propulsion system applications.
The NAE recognizes individuals who have made remarkable contributions to engineering research, practice, or education, including significant contributions to the engineering literature and pioneering new and developing fields of technology.
Gray was awarded the Technologist of the Year at the Women of Color Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Conference in 2017 for her efforts to create innovation and open up opportunities in STEM fields for underrepresented individuals.
Gray is widely respected in the industry for her contributions as the director of global battery systems engineering at General Motors (GM), where she led her team in developing and launching the lithium-ion battery system used in the Chevrolet Volt, working closely with the LG Chem team.
Gray spent 30 years at General Motors (GM), where she was recognized as the "battery czar" and a driving force behind GM's Chevrolet Volt vehicle.
Later, she was the vice president of powertrain electrification at AVL List GMBH in Austria and North America from 2013 until 2015.
As the president of LG Chem Power Inc., the North American subsidiary of LG Chem, Korea, she was responsible for strategic direction, engineering, and business development activities.
She aimed to make LG Chem Power Inc. the North American center of excellence for vehicle and energy storage applications. She also served as the president of LG Energy Solution Michigan Inc. Tech Center.
Currently, Gray serves as a director of DRiV Incorporated, a start-up company that brings together the strengths of Tenneco, Federal-Mogul, and Öhlins.
She provides valuable insight into the future direction of the automotive industry.
Additionally, Gray holds board of director positions at the Original Equipment Supplier Association (OESA), the Board on Energy and Environmental Systems in Washington DC, and CN, a transportation leader.
Gray earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Kettering University and a master's degree in engineering management of technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Her exceptional efforts in promoting opportunities in STEM played a significant role in her selection as the 2017 Women of Color Technologist of the Year.
