Published February 07, 2024
By : Staff Writer
Donna L. Bell received the Technologist of the Year Award at the 2018 Women of Color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Conference in recognition of her outstanding contribution in educating and developing students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
She has held leadership positions in various professional organizations, including the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Women Engineers.
Recently, in the summer of 2022, Lordstown Motors Corporation announced that Dr. Bell had been appointed executive vice president of product creation, engineering, and supply chain, making her a part of the company's senior leadership team.
Lordstown Motors is an electric vehicle (EV) innovator that aims to develop high-quality, light-duty commercial fleet vehicles. Its first vehicle, the Endurance all-electric pick-up truck, was launched at the Lordstown, Ohio facility.
Edward T. Hightower, the company's president and CEO said, "Dr. Bell's extensive experience in the high-quality execution of vehicle programs, technologies, and innovations will make her an excellent addition to our team. As EV performance attributes and features are becoming more defined and driven by software, Donna's leadership and track record will build on the strengths of the Lordstown Motors team and play a key role in driving the joint venture's success."
Dr. Bell, a former Ford Motor Company executive, brings years of leadership experience in automotive product development, engineering, purchasing, mobility, autonomous vehicle strategy, and research to Lordstown.
Her work developing electronic modules and infotainment systems has led to her receiving multiple patents. She also served as research operations director at Ford's Palo Alto Innovation Labs.
As global director of technology, strategy, and planning at Ford Motor Company, she collaborated with key stakeholders, established and communicated customer-driven strategies, and delivered many revenue-generating first-to-Ford technologies, including the award-winning Sync infotainment system, the fuel-saving stop-start technology, and the first-to-industry MyEnergi Lifestyle project.
She holds two master's degrees, a Ph.D. from Wayne State University's School of Engineering, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University.
