John J. Ferron
Bloomfield Hills, MI

J Ferron has been directly involved with major automotive industry issues affecting manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and consumers for over 25 years. As Partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers, J's efforts span the entire distribution network from suppliers to vehicle assemblers to retailing. He is an author, lecturer, commentator, attorney, and an industry thought leader. He helps companies to design strategies and implement those process and system changes that build value for shareholders and customers. J was co-author of the study on the automotive industry business model, "Collaboration, Now or Never." Previously J co-authored a PwC publication that predicts the structural changes expected in the 21st century global automotive industry, "The Second Automotive Century." J also contributed to the book released in 2001, "Customer Relationship Management: A Strategic Imperative in the World of e-Business," about best practices in acquiring and retaining customers. In 2000, he was a contributor to the provocative book about the changes to the global economy because of the Internet, "Metacapitalism." He was a research associate working with MIT's International Motor Vehicle Program from 1985 to 1990 leading to the publication of "The Machine that Changed the World!" He has served on congressional advisory panels addressing small business tax issues, electric vehicles, and energy issues. While Vice President of NADA, he co-authored, "Betting on the Franchise - Car & Truck Retailing into the 1990s," which predicted the unbundling of the dealership facilities, public ownership of dealership chains, industry consolidation, and the narrowing of retail margins.

Earlier in his career, J was senior partner at J.D. Power & Associates, and also Managing Director of their Tokyo joint-venture company. At Power, he led initiatives to innovate and focus the Power products. He led the brand management process, which helped make J.D. Power a household name. At J.D. Power and Associates, he contributed to studies on customer satisfaction and loyalty, product design quality, plant quality improvement, new distribution systems, and authored "The Revolution in Auto Retailing."

Before that, he was Vice President of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), where he was involved with federal and state government regulatory issues, international trade, tax, price controls, safety, environmental and small business issues. He was responsible for the consulting businesses of the 20,000-member association, which also included the American Truck Dealers Association representing the medium and heavy-duty truck industry retailers. J led legislative initiatives regarding excise tax repeal, and formed supplier relations councils with major component manufacturers.

J is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science majoring in International Affairs. He is a lawyer, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University, The National Law Center, and has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Northwood University. He and his wife, Lynn, live in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. They are both involved in local and national charitable efforts. A pilot and combat veteran, he flew over 350 sorties in Vietnam on two different tours and has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters.

"Northwood University’s education broadens perspectives and prepares men and women for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Northwood University has a multi-decade line of graduates who have proven that their studies and entrepreneurial spirit place them in impactful, satisfying, leadership roles. The success of tomorrow's graduates will continue to be powered by the relevancy of Northwood's education within the competitive global economy."