Chrysler Group's Ralph Gilles Receives 'Black Engineer of the Year' President's Award

BALTIMORE, March 2 -- Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Group Director of Product Design, was presented with the President's Award at the "Black Engineer of the Year" awards ceremony held Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Gilles, who lead the design team of the award-winning Chrysler 300, joins a premiere group of individuals honored for their outstanding talents and managerial contributions.

Gilles has been with the Chrysler Group since 1992, when he served as the primary interior designer for the Dodge Viper GTS/R, Dodge ESX2 and Jeep(R) Jeepster concept vehicles, as well as the production versions of the 2003 Dodge Viper and 2002 Jeep Liberty. In his current position, Gilles directed the design team of two of Chrysler Group's most popular 2005 vehicles, the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300.

A graduate of the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Gilles also earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University. In addition to his work schedule, Gilles is also a part-time instructor at the College for Creative Studies (formerly the Center for Creative Studies).

"One of the Chrysler Group's greatest strengths is a diverse workforce of individuals who weave their talents into the fabric of this company and the communities they represent," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer. "Ralph Gilles has done exactly that with his passion and talent for design."

Since 1999, eight Chrysler Group designers and engineers have been recipients of the prestigious awards presented at the event.

Earlier this week, several other Chrysler Group employees received honors for their contributions in the engineering field, including Kristalyn S. Mack, Plant Vehicle Engineer, Vehicle Development; Kilolo S. Gause, Product Engineer; and Camille Davis, Industrial Engineer, Manufacturing.

The "Black Engineer of the Year" Award Conference is the nation's largest career and professional development conference for African-American executives, professionals, and college and high school students. More than 10,000 African-American professionals participate in the three-day event, which includes a career fair, workshops and a black-tie awards ceremony.