MARQUETTE, Mich.—The keynote speaker at Northern Michigan University’s commencement will be Felicia Fields, a Ford group vice president who leads the global human resources and corporate services functions for Ford Motor Company. She also will receive an honorary Doctor of Business degree. Mike Roy, retired NMU vice president and former interim president, also will receive an honorary Doctor of Business degree at the ceremony.

Fields, a proud third-generation Ford employee, was appointed to her current position in 2008. She provides expertise in performance management, compensation and benefits, leadership and professional development, recruiting and organization development.  She is also responsible for corporate security, travel and the company’s Dealer Policy Board. She reports to Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO.

Since joining Ford in 1986, Fields has held HR leadership positions in various sectors, from manufacturing and research to finance and corporate development. She has received the following recognition for her professional success: 2010 Black Enterprise Most Powerful Women in Business, American Society of Employers (ASE) 2009 HR Executive of the Year, Michigan Chronicle’s 2009 Women of Excellence Award and Automotive News’ 2010 “Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry.”

Roy’s career in finance and administration at public universities spanned more than four decades. The last 34 years was spent at Northern. He held a number of positions at NMU, including chief accountant, special projects consultant and vice president for finance and administration. Roy was appointed interim president in May 2003, serving about one year in that capacity before returning to his V.P. duties. 

The Lake Superior Community Partnership honored Roy with its Distinguished Service Award in 2012. He remains active in local organizations such as Northern Initiatives, Marquette County Community Foundation, Michigan Catholic Conference Board, Michigan Catholic Conference Pension Board, Finance Council for the Diocese of Marquette, the Diocese of Marquette Legacy of Faith Board and the Finance Council of St. Louis the King Catholic Church.

Northern’s commencement will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, in the Superior Dome. It will be broadcast live on WNMU-TV (Public TV 13) and streamed online free of charge by America One/B2 Networks. For more information, visit www.nmu.edu/commencement.