LIVONIA, Michigan – Lisa Lunsford, co-founder and CEO of GS3 Global, has been named to the 2020 class of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News. Lunsford and her co-honorees are featured in a special issue of the magazine, and were celebrated at a virtual, exclusive celebration.
The ‘100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry’ issue recognizes women who are leaders in the automotive field – those who make major decisions and have significant influence at their companies. Automotive News has published the list of the industry’s top female executives every five years since 2000, and the 2020 issue marks the second consecutive issue in which Lunsford is featured.
“A comparison of the 2020 and 2015 Automotive News lists of 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry confirms that the status of women in the industry continues to improve. There are 13 CEOs of automakers and suppliers on the list this time, up from six in 2015 and two in 2010,” said Mary Beth Vander Schaaf, Automotive News managing editor and leader of the project.
The 2020 class of Automotive News’ 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry emerged from a months-long nomination and judging process that attracted hundreds of entries from the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Our selection committee made many difficult decisions,” said Vander Schaaf. “The talented, powerful executives on this list are at the forefront of thousands of successful women in the auto industry.”
Drawing on her decades of experiences as a business leader in manufacturing, Lunsford continues to educate the benefits of workforce diversity and prioritizes the retention of the best people with the best skills, which has naturally led to a more diverse and engaged workforce. Through her various board positions and speaking engagements, Lunsford encourages, supports and mentors the next generation of creators.
Based in Livonia, GS3 Global is a Tier One supplier to major automotive original equipment manufacturers and works directly with clients to provide electronic component assembly, design for manufacturing services and CNC Small Wire/Tube Bending.
In 2020, Lunsford began her tenure as the chair of the MICHauto Board of Directors.
Among other recognitions, Lunsford was a finalist for the EY 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year award for Michigan and Northwest Ohio. In 2019-20, Lunsford qualified for and completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Course. Also in 2020, GS3 Global was also recognized by the Small Business Association of Michigan among their annual list of ‘50 Companies to Watch.’
Lunsford holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Lunsford resides in Detroit, Michigan, with her husband and daughter.
Lunsford’s 2020 ‘100 Leading Women’ profile can be found here: https://www.autonews.com/awards/2020-leading-women-lisa-lunsford