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FCA US Manufacturing Engineer Earns 2016 Black Engineer of the Year Special Recognition Award

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Kristal Fears 2016 Black Engineer of the Year Special Recognition Award Winner

Krista Fears was named the 2016 Black Engineer of the Year Special Recognition Award Winner

Hard work and dedication should be rewarded—which is why US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine has awarded one of Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s manufacturing engineer its 2016 Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Special Recognition Award.

Kristal Fears, a Global Manufacturing Product Responsible, C-SUV Product, was honored with this special achievement during the 30th BEYA STEM Conference and Career Fair, which was held February 18-20 in Philadelphia. This specific conference honors and awards outstanding leaders in the science, technology, engineering, and math (also known as STEM) fields, while also providing opportunities for professional development, networking and recruiting.


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Kristal joins a long list of Fiat Chrysler technical and engineering leaders to be recognized by the engineering and technology magazine.

“Kristal is a talented engineer with a dynamic leadership style that inspires the people around her and achieves results,” said Brian Harlow, Vice President for Manufacturing for FCA—North America. “Among her accomplishments, she successfully led the implementation of a Transmission Flash System at our Jefferson North Assembly Plant that achieved significant reductions in cost and part complexity. This innovative project, a first within FCA, is now being implemented across multiple vehicle lines and assembly plants on a global level.”


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In 2014, Fears was appointed Global Manufacturing Product Responsible for the C-SUV product. This role allows her to work with engineers to manage tooling; manage facilities and equipment budgets; and identify and resolve manufacturing constraints. Previously, Fears coordinated the manufacturing timing and cost for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.