Nancy Gioia

[Skip]

While going through my archives, I found the attached article that I thought might be of interest to TBN members. It has a little age on it-it was printed in the September 26, 2005 edition of Automotive News, the auto industry trade publication. The article title was the "100 Leading Women In The North American Auto Industry". Obviously, the Thunderbird project was near and dear to Nancy. I believe she now heads the hybrid vehicle progran for Ford, probably a very good position to be in at this time.

Skip

[5bird7]

Re: Nancy Gioia

Thanks for posting that, Skip. Is there a page # on that article?

[snowbird]

Re: Nancy Gioia

Nancy Gioia attended our convention (ITC) in Dearborn and was our guest speaker in 2001. I happened to have one of the new brochures (square one) and had her autograph it for me. "Signed Nancy Lee Gioia , 7/21/01". Still have it today as one of my prized 'retro' possessions.
Thanks for sharing the article Skipp. Hope all is well with you and yours.

[Skip]

Re: Nancy Gioia

Thanks for posting that, Skip. Is there a page # on that article?

Dot:

Sorry, but I lost the page number when I cut up the article to scan and post it.

Skip

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Nancy Gioia

While I never met Nancy in person, I had several email exchanges with her and her administrative assistant during our preparation for HEARTLAND THUNNDER back in 2006. She and Doug Gaffka graciously autographed several hats and diecast Retro Birds for our auction that helped us raise $30,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

She was very excited about helping us and I think she would have loved to come if her schedule would have allowed. She seems like a very nice lady and I have no doubt she is very proud of the Thunderbird and her involvement with it. I was disappointed to not get to meet her in person when we attended Motown Thunder. I know Steve tried very hard to get her to be with us but she is a very busy woman and could not make it at the last minute.

[Skip]

Re: Nancy Gioia

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting her at the Thunderbird "unveiling" event in 2001, which was selected as the venue for the ITC convention that Snowbird references above. A very nice lady, easy to talk to, etc. I had the privilege of meeting Doug Gafka at the 1998 ITC convention in NJ. And of course, Jim Youngs not only participated in Thunder Fever, but was the guest speaker at the 2006 ITC convention. They are all great folks, and very supportive of our organizations. Let's hope that if the Bird ever does rise again, that these folks, or folks of their calibre, are part of the "team".

Skip

[snowbird]

Re: Nancy Gioia

Does anyone know if either Nancy or Doug own one of the 'Retro' Birds ? Then again, Doug may be a bit tall for one when the hard top is installed.

MartinB.

[5bird7]

Re: Nancy Gioia

Nancy drove an 02 blue for several years but it was probably on the executive program. I don't recall seeing photos of any of the others in one.

[Skip]

Re: Nancy Gioia

I remember Nancy saying that she had ordered a Thunderbird Blue '02 while chatting with her at the launch event in '01. That would be the car Dot is referring to. I would think that it might be one she would keep. What do you think the market would bear on that one-the Thunderbird Chief Program Engineer's personal car? Almost like having one of Harley Earl's cars. Bill Ford was driving one during the event, but I'm geussing that it ultimately was replaced by a Mustang.

Skip