Ronald E. Goldsberry
Ronald E. Goldsberry | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 12, 1942 Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Scientist, entrepreneur, executive |
| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Known for | Executive leadership at Ford Motor Company; contributions to chemical sector; election to National Academy of Engineering |
Ronald E. Goldsberry is a distinguished African-American scientist and entrepreneur noted for his significant contributions to the chemical sector and his executive leadership at the Ford Motor Company. Throughout his career, he held senior roles in several Fortune 500 firms, gained election to the National Academy of Engineering in 1993, and continues to engage in community leadership and mentorship initiatives.
Early life and education
Goldsberry was born on September 12, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware, and was brought up by his mother and stepfather. His scientific curiosity, coupled with the influence of his father—a physician based in Detroit—shaped his academic pursuits. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Central State University in 1964 and earned a Ph.D. specializing in Physical & Organic Chemistry from Michigan State University in 1969.
Career
Prior to obtaining an MBA from Stanford University in 1973, Goldsberry held positions as a research chemist at NASA's Ames Research Center and as a chemistry instructor at the University of California at San Jose. His professional journey encompassed roles at Hewlett-Packard, Boston Consulting Group, Gulf Oil Corporation, Occidental Chemical Corporation, and Parker Chemical Company. Following Ford's acquisition of Parker in 1983, he was appointed president and COO of Parker and subsequently promoted to Ford’s global vice president for customer services before retiring in 2000.
After leaving Ford, he provided automotive industry consulting services with Deloitte Consulting from 2001 until 2013 before transitioning to independent consulting. During his tenure at Ford, Goldsberry oversaw the company’s handling of the largest automotive recall in U.S. history related to faulty ignition switches. Additionally, he served as Chairman and CEO of Newport News Industrial Corporation and held board memberships at DTE Energy and Plastipak Packaging. He has been actively involved with the National Black MBA Association as well as the Greater Detroit chapter of 100 Black Men.
Recognition and awards
Goldsberry earned election to the National Academy of Engineering in 1993. His board service includes appointments with Unum/Provident Corporation, the Michigan State University Alumni Association, Case Corporation, Central State University, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Detroit public television station WTVS-TV.
Notably, during the 1980s, he was the sole African American CEO leading a U.S.-based chemical company and also completed two years of service as a captain in the U.S. Army.
Personal life
He is dedicated to broadening educational access for underrepresented populations and actively mentors emerging professionals. Goldsberry maintains ongoing participation in civic organizations within Detroit, Michigan.