AIAG Supply Chain Steering Committee co-chairs, Angela Cook and Steven Rush, are experienced supply chain professionals who still regularly discover best practices through their volunteer work with AIAG.

Angela Cook is global customs manager, GM Tax and Customs. A licensed customs broker with 21 years of experience in the global trade and logistics fields, she holds a B.S. from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from Wayne State University. Cook has been with GM for 14 years — seven years in intercontinental logistics and seven years in global customs. Prior to working at GM, she was a customs broker at Ceva Logistics (formerly Eagle Global) where she managed the GM account. 

Steven Rush is vice president, global purchasing, for Magna International’s Magna Powertrain Group. An accomplished executive with global strategic sourcing experience in automotive and consumer durables, Rush has held senior leadership roles with accountability for direct materials and components, indirect materials and services, supplier quality development, and target cost management. In his role with Magna, he is responsible for leading Magna Powertrain’s worldwide purchasing organization including 500+ professionals supporting 43 production facilities and over $6 billion in annual purchases.

In this interview, Cook and Rush talk about why they volunteer at AIAG and where their focus lies now.

Q: What are your job responsibilities in your current position? 

Cook: I am a global customs manager with responsibility for duty accounting, U.S. Post Entry processes (Value/FTA Recon, Drawback, Post Summary Corrections), and our U.S./MX CTPAT and Canada PIP programs. 

Rush: I lead Magna Powertrain’s worldwide purchasing organization consisting of direct materials, indirect goods/services, supplier risk management, and customs compliance.

Q: What are your biggest challenges right now? What are you focused on?

Rush: In today’s global pandemic environment, significant challenges exist in maintaining continuity of supply across all regions while continuing to work collaboratively together with suppliers to support ongoing product launches and day-to-day business requirements. I’m spending significant time working with the global supply base to ensure understanding and alignment on business deliverables while also ensuring we continue to communicate and manage the safety and well-being of our employees.

Cook: Drawback is a big focus for us at this time. Under the TFTEA program, it can be a great tool to recover some of the Section 301 duties that are impacting most importers. 

Q: How did you get involved with AIAG? How have you and your company benefitted from your volunteer work on the AIAG Supply Chain Steering Committee? 

Cook: I joined the CTPAT Subcommittee some years back when I took over the CTPAT program for GM. Working with other Importers to understand how they are implementing CTPAT MSCs and working with suppliers has been very helpful to me. It’s a great opportunity to benchmark and find best practices.

Rush: I was asked to replace a departing colleague who participated on the AIAG Supply Chain Steering Committee and felt that the combination of my career experiences could contribute value to the committee and also ensure a continued focus on the broader supply chain where resources are scarce. 

Q: What is the role of the AIAG Supply Chain Steering Committee, and how does it drive the projects that AIAG takes on?

Rush: The Supply Chain Steering Committee works in a collaborative and teaming manner to ensure the combination of day-to-day and strategic objectives receive the appropriate focus and energy to deliver on our objectives. The project ideas come from committee members, other AIAG steering committees as well as industry findings.

Our mission and vision are to provide supply chain practitioners with best-in-class practices and processes and to be the automotive industry’s source of supply chain operating best practices. 

Cook: It is our responsibility to guide the subcommittees and approve projects that will be a benefit to the automotive industry, while ensuring that they are in line with our overall vision and strategies.

Q: What would you say to a supply chain professional who is considering greater involvement in AIAG?

Cook: I would encourage everyone to get involved. Working with AIAG can provide you with a lot of insight into the industry along with a strong network of contacts. I routinely reach out to contacts I’ve made via AIAG for support, advice, and benchmarking opportunities. 

Rush: I think each individual needs to determine where best to engage and contribute. Whether based on a specific industry or generic learning desire or wanting to engage with colleagues to develop your teaming and leadership skills, there are numerous opportunities to engage with AIAG — just ask!