Telva M. McGruder

MS; Electrical Engineering; Purdue University
BS; Electrical Engineering; Purdue University
DSc(h.c.); Oakland University

As the Executive Director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering, Telva McGruder leads the next phase of transformation toward an increasingly automated and digital manufacturing approach for body and paint systems at General Motors. The team embraces technology focused on predictive analytics to run safely, sustainably, and efficiently while ensuring operational excellence, and quality for the global portfolio.

Previously, Telva was Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer where she championed the progress toward a high performing, inclusive culture while shepherding global impact in diversity. The team fostered partnerships and initiatives that promoted equity inside and outside of the company.

Her passions for culture and sustainable solutions for people and processes fueled notable impacts while leading facility engineering, facility management and energy strategy in the GM Sustainable Workplaces organization. Earlier in her career, Telva held positions of increasing responsibility and influence within manufacturing engineering and at several manufacturing locations where she motivated teams to rethink the possible in project execution, maintenance, quality, operations, and labor negotiations.

Along with her professional accomplishments, Telva is dedicated to teaching and leading others inside and outside of General Motors. Telva is a member of the Executive Leadership Council. She supports diverse girls and women as a member of the Board of Directors for Girls Scouts of the USA, a member of the Catalyst Advisory Board, and a member of the Inforum Board of Directors. Her skills and passions intersect with her service as vice-chair of the advisory board for the Oakland University School of Health Sciences, a member of the external advisory board for the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, and a member of the board for Engineering Tomorrow.

In December 2024, Dr. McGruder earned the Honorary Doctor of Science degree, which is the highest honor of a university and awarded in recognition of distinguished accomplishment and service

Telva is a positive, driven individual with a keen sense of what is important and greatly enjoys wonderful life experiences with her husband, son and two daughters.