John Vincent, Class of 2009
Young Alumni Achievement
Supervisor - Robotics and Automation
Ford Motor Company
John Vincent is a respected engineer in the automotive industry. He is recognized for his contributions to technical innovation and leadership at Ford Motor Company. As an innovator, he has been awarded eight patents by the US Patent Office, with more than a dozen pending. Most recently, he leads a team of robotics engineers to develop next generation automation and robotic solutions to enhance job efficiency and worker safety.
Since joining Ford in Michigan nearly 10 years ago, John has served in various roles across the company. This began in stamping, where he contributed to improvements in the production rate and quality of multiple new vehicle products. His notable projects included the first aluminum F-150, America's best-selling vehicle for 46 consecutive years, the Ford Edge and Lincoln MkX.
In his quest for progress and innovation, John transitioned to Ford's research division, where he worked on pioneering mobility initiatives such as ride sharing, autonomous vehicles, and personal mobility devices. He led a $2 million research project in partnership with the University of Michigan to introduce a new dynamic shuttle service on the Ann Arbor campus, a first of its kind. During his time in mobility, John’s work contributed to Ford's strategic shift from a traditional auto company to a mobility focused company.
John immigrated from China at age 15 and began his American journey as a sophomore at Casady School, where he set a foundation that set the stage for his future achievements. After graduating from Casady School in 2009, John attended Purdue University, where he received a degree in Industrial Engineering. In 2012, he proudly became a U.S. citizen.
He lives in Michigan with his wife, Kellie, and their 7-month-old daughter, Soni. John is an active volunteer in his community, initiating a committee to benefit his neighbors, managing fundraising events, and creating and running the website for the association. He is an avid golfer and skier, John values quality time with his family and nature.
Back