Barbara Gould                                                         or            Carrie Kandes

(440) 329-9609                                                                       (888) 482-4455

barbara.gould@bendix.com                                                   ckandes@marcusthomasllc.com

 

ELYRIA, Ohio – April 6, 2009 – Joe McAleese, president and CEO of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, has been recognized by Bowling Green State University (BGSU) with an Accomplished Graduate Award. A graduate of the BGSU College of Business Administration, McAleese was one of 18 alumni selected for the honor. The award was presented during an off-campus ceremony on March 27.

McAleese, who received his bachelor of science and master’s degrees in accountancy, was honored for his accomplishments as a leader in the commercial vehicle industry. In addition to his achievements in business, he was recognized for his commitment to educational and community service. He was one of three alumni of the College of Business Administration to be chosen for the award.

“Throughout his career, Joe has demonstrated extraordinary leadership that is reflected in both his professional life and his community involvement,” said Rodney Rogers, dean of the College of Business Administration. “He is an outstanding role model for our alumni, current students, and the community.”

Recipients of the BGSU Accomplished Graduate Award are selected based on their professional achievements, community involvement, and their embodiment of the university’s five core values: respect for one another, cooperation, intellectual and spiritual growth, creative imaginings, and pride in a job well done. Honorees have been selected each year since 2000 and are joined by university representatives, friends, and family to celebrate the award.

A seasoned executive with diverse industry experience, McAleese has enjoyed a 26-year career at Bendix. He has held numerous leadership roles and has been the primary architect of growth for the company since assuming the senior leadership role in 2001. Under his direction, the organization has completed a number of successful acquisition and growth opportunities, including the 2004 formation of Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC, the company’s joint venture with Dana Corporation. During McAleese’s tenure, Bendix has continued to build its legacy as a pioneer of safety technologies for the commercial vehicle industry and has grown its market position in North America for commercial vehicle safety and braking system technologies.

“I’m honored to have received this award from an institution that has greatly impacted my life,” McAleese said. “I have always been mindful of what I learned about business and community service while at Bowling Green, and I have applied those lessons throughout my career.” 

McAleese, a resident of Avon Lake, Ohio, has been a longtime supporter of BGSU and its College of Business Administration. He has served on the university’s International Business Advisory Board, which raises money for scholarships to support study-abroad programs, travel for international internships, and scholarships for students specializing in international business. 

In addition to his role at Bendix, McAleese – a frequent speaker at commercial vehicle industry events – most recently served as 2008 chairman of the board of governors for HDMA (Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association) and 2009 co-chair of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week. He continues in his role as a board member of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). MEMA represents motor vehicle parts suppliers, the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, which directly employs 783,100 U.S. workers and contributes to 4.5 million private industry jobs across the country.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, air brake charging, and control systems and components under the Bendix^® brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, employing more than 2,200 people, Bendix is driven to deliver solutions for improved vehicle performance, safety, and overall operating cost. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with manufacturing plants in Acuña, Mexico; Bowling Green, Ky.; Huntington, Ind.; and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For more information, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit www.bendix.com.