GM Canada President Receives 'Trailblazer Award' from Rainbow PUSH Coalition

Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM Canada, was recognized today for his innovative leadership and commitment to workplace diversity, receiving the "Trailblazer Award" during the 2010 Global Automotive Summit held by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

"I am honored to pay special tribute to Kevin's many successes and commitment to helping others," said Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., president and founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. "Despite challenges that prove insurmountable to many, Kevin sets a strong example as an inspiration to us all."

Williams is the first GM executive to receive the "Trailblazer Award" from Rainbow PUSH, a progressive international membership organization advocating for social change. The award is presented to those who have not only achieved success as corporate leaders, but who have also assisted in paving the way for others.

The youngest of 12 siblings and the first to earn a college degree, Williams began his GM career in 1983 as a reliability analyst at Buick City in Flint, Michigan. Williams has steadily progressed to hold leadership positions across many areas of the business. His most recent assignments include GM vice president and general manager of Service and Parts Operations, president and managing director of GM de Mexico, and vice president of quality for GM North America, during which time he also served as Chairman of the GM African Ancestry Network, as well as Chairman of the Funding Board for the Black United Fund of Michigan. Williams is currently a member of the GM Diversity Leadership Team.

"Throughout my career, I have always worked hard to ensure that equality of opportunity exists for everyone, and I am truly honored to receive this award," said Williams. "While I never expected to be recognized simply for doing the right thing, I hope that we can all use milestones like these to re-focus, re-calibrate, and continue pushing for positive change."

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a progressive organization devoted to protecting, defending and expanding civil rights to improve economic and educational opportunity. The organization is headquartered at 930 E. 50th St. in Chicago.