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The 'Big Three' Join Forces to Lead The Detroit Police Athletic League

15 February 1999

The 'Big Three' Join Forces to Lead The Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL)

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 15 -- John MacDonald,
DaimlerChrysler's Senior Vice President of Sales and Service, became President
of the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) Board of Directors last Wednesday
at a PAL Board meeting at DaimlerChrysler headquarters.  MacDonald replaces
Tom Wagner, retired Vice President of Customer Communication and Satisfaction
for Ford Motor Company.  Phil Guarascio, Vice President and General Manager,
Marketing and Advertising, General Motors Corporation was appointed Vice
President of the Board and will take over as President in 2001.  Jim O'Connor,
President, Ford Division, will be the Ford representative on the Board and
will take over as President in 2003.
    These appointments mark the return to Detroit PAL's original charter of
having DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors share in the leadership of PAL
on a rotating basis.  Since 1991, Ford has taken primary responsibility for
the organization and has implemented a successful revitalization plan.  This
plan included the opening of activity centers that provide safe havens for the
youth of Detroit, increasing the number of children served by PAL's tutorial
programs, as well as increasing the donations to PAL from public and private
sources.
    John MacDonald plans to bring added vigor to PAL and ensure the continued
success of the organization with the cooperation of Detroit-area auto
manufacturers, who have rededicated themselves to this valuable community
program.  "Now that we've rejoined forces, automakers can make PAL that much
more effective," MacDonald said.  "In addition, we will continue to look to
other corporations, foundations, and individuals to support the youth of
Detroit."  MacDonald, who was born and raised in Detroit and has been with
Chrysler since 1971, was named Vice President Sales and Service in January of
1998; he assumed his current post in November 1998.
    "PAL is thrilled to have John MacDonald's leadership, especially knowing
he's from Detroit," said Edward Foxworth III, Executive Director, PAL.  "I'm
sure PAL and the youth of Detroit will continue to see greater results, due to
his leadership."
    Founded in 1970, PAL serves more than 8,000 Detroit boys and girls ages
six to 16 through 13 sports programs, two education and activity centers that
provide recreational and learning opportunities, and tutorial sites at six
Detroit elementary schools which improve math and reading skills.