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More than Ford tough
A.J. Wagner: ‘A world-class leader of people’
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e’s known as a hands-on inspirational leader who thrives on direct customer and employee contact. A.J. Wagner, ’73, has success with the bottom line too. In his last three-and-a-half years as president of Ford Credit North America, Wagner oversaw a $10 billion profit for the automaker’s auto lending subsidiary. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who worked for Ford Motor Co. for more than 33 years. Wagner began working with the American automaker as an auditor after graduating summa cum laude from the College of Business Administration. He worked his way through the company, serving as president of Ford Credit North America, as well as vice president and corporate officer for Ford his final three years before retiring in 2006. Those who worked with Wagner say he brought a downto-earth, yet professional business approach. “He blends the critical thinking skills of a great finance person with the business acumen of a great operating person,” explains David P. Cosper, a former Ford Credit colleague who is currently vice chair and CFO of Sonic Automotive. “This combination, plus his easy-going manner, makes him a • Accomplished businessworld-class leader of people.” man, inspirational leader, Wagner currently is presihumanitarian. dent and CEO of A.J. Wagner • President of business con& Associates which provides sulting organization. consulting and brokering for • Retired president of Ford businesses specializing in autoMotor Credit Co. North motive and financial services. America and vice president of Ford Motor Co. • Recipient of the 2006 The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Philip E. Benton Award, Alumnus Award recognizes alumni given from minority North who have brought honor and distincAmerican dealers to the tion to the university. Nominate a Ford executive displaying deserving alum at: www.uwlalumni. the greatest commitment to org/nominate.php diversity. • Coach of community-based recreational leagues for children. • Earned a bachelor’s in finance from UW-L in 1973 and an MBA from the University of Detroit in 1978.
A.J.’s FILE
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UW-L Alumnus magazine Summer 2010
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Adept in aquatics
BRenda Moraska Lafrancois: Ecologist making Midwestern lakes, rivers better
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n less than 10 years with the National Park Service, Brenda Moraska Lafrancois, ’97, has already accomplished more — and received numerous regional awards — than many could hope for in their entire careers. The Great Lakes Area aquatic ecologist with the National Park Service in St. Croix, Minn., works with park scientists and researchers to determine aquatic research needs for national parks. Lafrancois also develops research proposals with other agencies and universities, along with overseeing projects and analyzing long-term water quality issues. “Her work has helped the National Parks of the Upper Midwest make great strides in protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems,” explains Randy Ferrin, a former National Park Service colleague who has retired. “She is continually thinking of new ways to approach natural resource issues, is consistently willing to help on a problem or project, and repeatedly produces sound products that are extremely helpful to the management of national park units.” Lafrancois is known for innovative research of invasive zebra and quagga mussels in Lake Michigan and the St. Croix River. And, she has conducted long-term water quality trends • Great Lakes Area Aquatic on the river, setting nutrient Ecologist with the National reduction goals adopted by Park Service since 2002. Minnesota and Wisconsin. She • Member of the Ecological shares her aquatic research and Society of America, North knowledge with many — from American Benthological Soscientists to eager elementary ciety and Mississippi River school children. Research Consortium. • Midwest Region recipient of these National Park The Rada Distinguished Alumnus Service Director’s Awards: Award recognizes alumni from the Natural Resource Research, last 20 years with professional distinc2008 and 2005; Profestion and humanitarian activities. sional Excellence in Natural Nominate a deserving alum at: www. Resources, 2007. uwlalumni.org/nominate.php • Biology Senior of the Year, UW-L Biology Department, 1997. • Earned a bachelor’s in biology and Spanish from UW-L in 1997. Doctorate in ecology from Colorado State University, 2002.
Brenda’s FILE