Vella

James G. Vella '89, has successfully combined his leadership and communication skills with his genuine interest in contributing to the betterment of society. As president of Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, Vella leads all philanthropic, community-service and volunteer efforts for Ford Motor Company.

Vella began his studies at the University of Detroit in 1974 when he was awarded a scholarship from WJBK-TV. While attending school, he worked part-time in the news department at the television station and served as editor of the Varsity News for one semester.

When a unique job opportunity at WJBK-TV came along, Vella quit school and spent the next 14 years working in news management at TV stations in Detroit, San Diego and Columbus. He returned to U of D and earned his bachelor's degree in Communications in 1989.

In looking back on his days at U of D, Vella says, "It was a terrific experience. I had the opportunity to gain the valuable management skills and leadership experience that served as a strong foundation for my future career. But even more importantly, as students we were taught to think for ourselves and encouraged to freely express our opinions. We developed as individuals."

Vella joined Ford Motor Company in 1988 as executive producer for the Ford Communications Network coordinating internal (employee) television programs. For the next 14 years, he held a series of public affairs positions and, in 2002, was named vice president of Public Affairs. This was followed by an appointment as Ford Motor Company's chief of staff until December 2006 when he was named to his current position.

In this capacity, Vella oversees the Ford Fund, which provided $37 million in support for community programs in 2007, and the Ford Volunteer Corps, which gives employees the opportunity to donate their time and efforts to non-profit organizations across the country. Last year, Ford employees contributed more than 86,000 hours of volunteer service.

"Ford Fund, which is financed by Ford Motor Company profits, focuses on four priorities in determining funding," explains Vella. "We contribute to causes that support education, automobile safety, American culture and legacy, and community service. It's Ford Motor Company's way of being a good corporate citizen and giving back to the community."

In addition to his career, Vella considers his greatest challenge and reward to be "raising my three successful children." In his spare time, he enjoys reading, gardening and exercising.