Mitsubishi Motors Appoints Director of Diversity Relations
22 August 1997
Mitsubishi Motors Appoints Director of Diversity RelationsWASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Mitsubishi Motors America, Inc. (MMA) today announced the appointment of Brenda Girton-Mitchell as director of diversity relations, effective September 2, 1997. Ms. Girton-Mitchell will leave her post as associate executive officer of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. to serve as Mitsubishi Motors' key contact with national advocacy organizations. "This is a strategic job position with Mitsubishi Motors," said Richard D. Recchia, executive vice president, Mitsubishi Motors America, Inc. "Brenda will serve as the primary point of contact as we continue on a path toward building a dialogue with minority and women's diversity groups in various markets. We are confident that she will be a tremendous addition to our senior management team and that her appointment reaffirms Mitsubishi Motors' commitment to improving diversity relations in all its U.S. operations." The expansion of Mitsubishi Motors' Washington office to include a director of diversity relations is part of the company's on-going efforts to create a model workplace for all its employees. Earlier this year Mitsubishi Motors announced a covenant with the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and the National Organization for Women to develop policies and diversity programs in areas including employment, business development and financial services. "We are delighted to have someone of Brenda's caliber join our team," said Recchia. Before joining the National Council of Negro Women, where she assisted with day-to-day operations, Ms. Girton-Mitchell served as associate executive director and director of government relations for the American Counseling Association. Additionally, she served as legislative counsel to Sears, Roebuck and Company for 10 years and was a legislative assistant to Senator Birch Bayh of Indiana. Ms. Girton-Mitchell is a graduate of Ball State University and has a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in elementary education. She also graduated with honors from Chicago Kent College of Law. Ms. Girton-Mitchell has been admitted to the Bar in the State of Illinois, the District of Columbia, and the United States Supreme Court. She has earned recognition from the American Society of Association Executives by being designated a Certified Association Executive (CAE), the highest honor of professional achievement available from the Society. Some of the national positions Ms. Girton-Mitchell has held include: president of the Women Lawyers Division National Bar Association; president of Women in Government Relations; and national vice president of the National Council of Negro Women. Established in l973, Mitsubishi Motors America Inc. (MMA), headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, monitors the technical, quality, warranty, purchasing and marketing areas of the U.S. automotive industry. The company also coordinates and conducts external and government relations activities for all Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Motors Corporation subsidiaries in the United States and Canada. SOURCE Mitsubishi Motors America, Inc.