NCA Board Member Presented with Lydia Moss Bradley Award

11/10/2014 2:45 PM

By Lindsay Anderson

Stephen C. Lewis ’72 received the 2014 Lydia Moss Bradley Award for outstanding service during Founder’s Day celebrations at Bradley.

“Steve’s successful career in manufacturing and strategic planning, his passion for leading others and his leadership on our National Council of Advisors are just some of the things that made him a prominent nominee for the award,” Foster College of Business Dean Darrell Radson said. “Steve’s achievements, both professional and personal, and his involvement with Bradley University, truly represent the meaning and intention of the Lydia Moss Bradley Award.”

Upon learning he won the award, Lewis was ecstatic.

“I know what the Lydia Moss Bradley Award means, and I was both surprised and delighted,” Lewis said. “I was also humbled. I was able to remember all of my Bradley experiences and talk about how I matriculated through Bradley.”

Lewis remarked that through his education and experiences at Bradley, he was able to successfully make a difference at his company and help his company’s bottom line.

“It’s all about networking and giving back,” Lewis remarked. “In 1988, I was Chief Program Engineer for the Ford Motor Company, and we were developing a new car program to push sales on a particular make and model. Reflecting on what would give people incentive, we created an incremental sales program through networking ( Pre-FAAN) and so many sales, the proceeds would be devoted to scholarships.”

Through this program of making a difference, the company recognized the value of networking and programs that help not only its bottom line, but also help others in return. An example of a present day program is the Ford Friends and Neighbors program.

“It all works,” Lewis continued. “Network and affinity groups can be a positive value to businesses and to Bradley University. They help drive business and community, a powerful combination.”

Lewis is Director of Strategic Planning, Global Powertrain Manufacturing Operation, at Ford Motor Company. In that capacity, he is responsible for the development of business/product sourcing of new Ford/Lincoln powertrain manufacturing sites in globally.

In his 36-year career with Ford, he has held a variety of positions and was a founding member of the Ford-Employees African Ancestry Network (FAAN), an organization that focuses on improving leadership, technical/business and networking skills.

Lewis graduated from Bradley University in 1972 with a degree in industrial engineering and is currently a member of the Foster College of Business’ National Council of Advisors.