Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC has honored Mike Goetz, Kathy Gosnell and Jackie Perez with its 2019 Excellence in Bendix Leadership Award, in recognition of their outstanding talents, commitment and contributions. Bendix is a North American leader in the development and manufacture of leading-edge active safety, air management and braking system technologies for commercial vehicles.
The award, now in its 10th year, recognizes employees who exemplify leadership in their behavior and actions, whether or not they hold a leadership title or manage others in their everyday role. Presented as a part of the company’s Drive for Distinction celebration, the Excellence in Bendix Leadership Award is the highest individual distinction a Bendix employee can achieve.
Recipients are nominated by their peers and recommended by their managers for demonstrating invaluable leadership characteristics, such as collaboration, guidance, integrity and excellence.
“Leaders are employees – at all levels of the organization – who have turned their vision into reality. We are pleased to celebrate their skills, accomplishments and dedication with Bendix’s premier individual achievement award,” said Michael Hawthorne, Bendix president and CEO. “Mike, Kathy and Jackie drive themselves to achieve success, while motivating and inspiring others to do the same. As a company, we can count on them to help us meet the demands of a constantly changing global marketplace. And it’s through their efforts – together with the commitment of their fellow team members – that Bendix is shaping tomorrow’s transportation.”
Mike Goetz, quality director, is based at Bendix’s Elyria, Ohio, headquarters, and has served the company for 29 years. Long recognized for his diligent, thoughtful approach, Goetz ensures that the Bendix team continues to advance toward outstanding levels of quality and customer support. He helps establish what quality can, and should, represent on behalf of Bendix’s brand.
“Day in and day out, Mike has quietly driven the charge for excellence, never seeking attention or praise for himself,” said Bendix COO Carlos Hungria in remarks presenting Goetz with his award. “Mike’s responsiveness knows no bounds – always doing what it takes to ensure internal and external customer needs are met. He reaches out to offer his experience and expertise. And he steps up with courage – speaking up for what’s right, even in the face of opposition.”
Mike Goetz is a graduate of the Bendix Strategic Leadership program and holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering technology from the University of Akron. He and his family are residents of Avon, Ohio.
For more than four decades – 43 years, to be exact – Kathy Gosnell has been bringing her leadership to bear at Bendix. The group controller for North America, and based in Bendix’s Elyria headquarters, Gosnell is viewed by colleagues and peers alike as a teacher and a coach, a friend and a mentor – always willing to lend a helping hand to ensure that collective responsibilities and commitments are fulfilled.
“For Kathy, it has been, is, and always will be the team that matters. Routinely taking the time after significant projects to reflect on how the team can deliver continuous improvement, Kathy embodies what her colleagues refer to as ‘fearless leadership’ – not shying away from difficult tasks or challenges,” Hawthorne said in presenting Gosnell’s award. “As a true demonstration of how impactful Kathy’s passion, dedication, and leadership are to Bendix, the entire Accounting team unanimously nominated her for this award. That’s high praise indeed.”
Gosnell holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Valparaiso University. She and her husband live in Columbia Station, Ohio.
Jackie Perez is plant manager for Bendix’s Acuña, Mexico, facility. Throughout her 16 years as a Bendix team member, she has consistently demonstrated her exceptional leadership abilities and deep passion for the people who report to work each day in Acuña. Perez is known as a supportive and insightful leader, and an empathetic listener, who has assembled a strong and talented team, one that delivers a common vision with an authentic sense of unity and friendship.
Established in May 1988, Bendix’s Acuña manufacturing operation consists of three state-of-the-art facilities and a logistics center. The operation employs more than 1,800 workers and encompasses 412,000 square feet. Acuña is one of the fastest-growing Bendix manufacturing sites.
“As a plant manager, she’s connected, consistent and driven,” said Bendix Chairman Joe McAleese, who presented Perez with her award. “Under Jackie’s direction, Acuña has implemented a refreshed shop floor management system that brings an additional level of emphasis on safety, quality and problem-solving to daily operations. Thanks to her inspiring vision, key performance indicators at Acuña are at, or above, outstanding levels. She has also worked with her team to substantially increase community engagement and to introduce numerous employee and family events.”
Perez also is a graduate of the Bendix Strategic Leadership Program, holding a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Mary’s University and a master’s in controlling and accounting from New England College. She, along with her husband and four children, are active members of their hometown community of Del Rio, Texas.
