Mullins Grissom 54 to Retire From Ford

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 9, 2004 -- Ford Motor Company announced today that Janet Mullins Grissom, vice president, Washington Affairs, has elected to retire effective March 1, after a highly successful career in the automotive industry.

Mullins Grissom, 54, has been vice president of Washington Affairs since 1998. She joined Ford in 1995 as director of National Affairs.

"Janet has been a driving force behind the company's legislative successes," said Bill Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company. "She's guided us through good times and through challenging times. She will be missed." Mullins Grissom will remain a consultant with the company.

"It's been exciting and challenging to be part of a great company like Ford," said Mullins Grissom. "We've made good progress in addressing the policy and regulatory issues that contribute to Ford's great products and strong business. There's much work yet to do, and I'm happy to continue to make a contribution."

In the previous Bush administration, Mullins Grissom was assistant to the president for Political Affairs, and was assistant secretary of state, Legislative Affairs, serving as chief legislative strategist for Secretary of State James A. Baker III.

Mullins Grissom was the first woman to serve as chief of staff for two U.S. senators. She was campaign manager of the 1984 campaign for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and she was political director and media director for the 1988 Bush for President campaign.

Grissom also served in the Commerce cabinet for the Kentucky state government. She is on the Board of the International Republican Institute, the American Council of Young Political Leaders and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Atlantic Council, and the Federal City Council.

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