1982
Citation:
James McDonald, president and chief operating officer of the General Motors Corporation, has brought to his post a keen understanding of what goes on in the factory as well as the boardroom, gathered from his years of managerial experience in the plants. Known as an ardent advocate of the quality of work life and a “people person,” McDonald started his career at the automaker after graduating from General Motors Institute in 1944 and spending two years in the military. He worked in plants in Michigan and Ohio, steadily being promoted to increasing responsibility. In addition to the presidency he serves as chairman of the company’s Executive and Administration committees and as a member of the Finance Committee. He is also a member of the corporation’s 10 policy groups: energy, industrial relations, marketing, materials management, overseas, personnel administration, and development product, public relations, research, and service.
Award was presented at the President's Cabinet Fifteenth Annual Awards Dinner, May 7, 1982.