Northwood University is pleased to announce the newest class of Distinguished Women Award Recipients, representing the University’s commitment to free enterprise, the partnership of arts and business, and the management of global commerce.
“This year’s class is composed of extraordinary individuals, including both current and former leaders from the world’s largest value assembly supplier, a renowned public affairs consulting firm, a major automotive and powersports dealership group, an innovator in the organic hemp industry, and a firm behind some of the most significant transactions in automotive dealership history,” said Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. “Their achievements reflect the core values Northwood instills in its graduates, inspiring us to continue shaping the next generation of free enterprise leaders who drive global economic and social progress.”
The 2024 Class of Distinguished Women Award Recipients include:
- Anne Hathaway, President & CEO of Hathaway Strategies, a grassroots public affairs firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana;
- Sharon Johnson, a resident of Southfield, Michigan, who serves as Executive Director of Operations at the Piston Group, which builds world-class assemblies for top manufacturers and includes Piston Automotive, the world’s largest value add assembly supplier;
- Mary Kissel, a Dallas, Texas resident who serves as Executive Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor for Stephens, Inc., a family-owned financial services firm that specializes in investment banking, asset and wealth management, and public finance, and operates in locations across the U.S. and Europe;
- Diane R. Maher, President & Chief Strategy Officer for DP Fox Ventures, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based diversified management company with interests in real estate, transportation, fashion, sports, and entertainment, and President & Chief Operating Officer of Fox Motor Group, a retail automotive and powersports group representing 43 locations and 49 brands; and
- Ann McBrien, a Hilton Head Island, South Carolina resident, served as former Vice President with CBD Global Healthcare of Procter and Gamble and founded AM Marketing & Sales Concepts.
“Each of these remarkable women represents the highest standard of excellence in their fields,” stated Northwood First Lady Mary-Ellen MacPhee, who is co-chairing this year’s Distinguished Women Awards program with Northwood alumna and Trustee Mary Ellen Hess. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and meaningful contributions to society and business. Their dedication to advancing free enterprise, hard work, determination, creativity, and passion for improving the world embodies the core values that define Northwood’s mission.”
“Since its inception 55 years ago, the Distinguished Women Awards Gala has recognized more than 500 esteemed individuals who have made a lasting impact on the world through their actions and accomplishments,” stated Co-Chair Hess, an experienced travel industry executive who serves on the Northwood University Board of Trustees. “It is an honor to announce the newest cohort of Distinguished Women Awards recipients.”
The 2024 Class of Distinguished Women Award Recipients will be honored at a special gala at 6 p.m. on Oct. 26, 2024, at The H Hotel in Midland, Michigan. Proceeds from the event will help fund scholarships for Northwood University students. Those interested in attending can RSVP by Oct. 14 by visiting northwood.edu/dw.
A selection of this year’s Class of Distinguished Women Award Recipients will be featured in a virtual panel from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 10, 2024. The event is open to the public and can be accessed here.
“The Distinguished Women Awards Virtual Panel is a unique opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and members of the general public to glean career insights from a collection of C-suite leaders,” First Lady MacPhee noted. “This panel offers a unique chance to learn from some of the most accomplished leaders in their fields. It’s a virtual event you won’t want to miss!”
For more information about the Distinguished Women Awards, including sponsorship opportunities, email Signature Events Director Jen Carpenter at or call 989-837-4465.
