Executive from Johnson Controls Recognized by Professional Women's Group for Career Achievements

PLYMOUTH, Mich., June 5 -- Johnson Controls executive Elizabeth Spooner has been recognized by a professional women's organization for her career accomplishments and efforts promoting diversity within the company's automotive business. Spooner serves as director of strategic planning - worldwide for the Automotive Systems Group of Johnson Controls . The company's automotive unit is a leading global supplier of automotive interior systems and batteries.

Women Looking Ahead (WLA) news magazine, a prominent publication that recognizes professional women and offers networking, mentoring and educational opportunities, selected Spooner as one of eight women honored on May 31 at its 12th Anniversary Awards Luncheon at the Swissotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

The theme of this year's event was "Ordinary Women with Extraordinary Talents." The WLA luncheon -- attended by more than 700 people each spring -- motivates women to continue to excel within various business and community service sectors. It honors women who have displayed outstanding leadership skills in their respective professions and communities, and for contributions in creating diversity in the workplace. WLA is an Atlanta-based publication that sponsors and creates empowerment events for women throughout the United States.

Spooner joined Johnson Controls in March 2001. She is responsible for leading the automotive unit's global strategic planning process. Spooner works with each of the Automotive Systems Group's business segments to assure the implementation of their strategic initiatives.

Last year, Spooner was the executive sponsor in helping to found the Johnson Controls Women's Professional Network, which helps facilitate growth opportunities through networking and mentorship. The group helps women develop their careers through activities including professional development forums, life/work programs, community service opportunities, speakers, participation in professional organizations and mentoring opportunities.

In addition, Spooner has been lead executive for Johnson Controls' student-mentoring activities at Cornerstone Schools in Detroit. The company has an executive mentoring program for elementary school children, and has provided financial support for the schools. Spooner also has been involved in Neighborhood Watch activities in her local Detroit community.

"This is a wonderful honor for Elizabeth, who is an outstanding contributor to the Johnson Controls team, our diversity efforts and her community," said Chuck Harvey, group vice president of human resources for the company. "She is a true leader that continuously makes positive contributions to the growth and success of our company and employees."

Prior to joining Johnson Controls, Spooner served as strategy and business development manager for the Polypropylene Business Unit at BP Amoco in Atlanta. Before that, she was an associate, corporate finance with The Robinson-Humphrey Company in Atlanta, and an associate, Advanced Development Program for Coopers & Lybrand in Atlanta.

Spooner earned a masters of business administration degree (majors in finance and accounting) from the University of Chicago. She also holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Stanford University.

The Plymouth, Michigan (U.S.A.)-based automotive business of Johnson Controls -- which employs more than 77,000 people at 285 facilities worldwide -- achieved US$13.6 billion in sales for the 2001 fiscal year. In model-year 2002, it will supply interior products for more than 23 million vehicles.

Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services, energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls , founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (U.S.A.). Its sales for 2001 totaled US$18.4 billion.