Chevrolet's Karen Rafferty Distinguished as one of The Network Journal's Influential Black Women in Business

DATELINE – Detroit, MI

Karen K. Rafferty, Chevrolet Product Marketing Director, was named one of The Network Journal’s 2009 Twenty Five Influential Black Women in Business. The event is designed to recognize and honor women whose professional achievements have significantly impacted an industry or profession, and who also have made an important contribution to their community. Rafferty will be featured in the March issue of The Network Journal and honored during the magazine’s 11 th Annual Awards Program in New York City on March 12.

“It is a great privilege to be recognized by The Network Journal and to receive this award for doing a job that I enjoy so much,” says Rafferty. “I am fortunate to work for the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors in an exciting and challenging career that has allowed me to experience many diverse roles that optimize my talents.”

Rafferty was appointed Director Product Marketing for Chevrolet Midsize and Sports Cars on August, 1, 2008. Previously, Karen was the Regional Divisional Marketing Manager Premium, leading a team responsible for marketing and advertising of Cadillac, Hummer, and Saab in the Northeast Region. In 2006 and 2007, Karen was the Cadillac Brand Director for SGM China, headquartered in Shanghai, where she led a cross-functional team responsible for marketing Cadillac in China.

“I can’t think of a better person to hold the marketing reins of Chevrolet’s most dynamic products,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “Karen’s vast business experiences make her a seasoned pro that’s needed most at this important time in the history of General Motors and Chevrolet,” added Peper.

Under Karen’s direction, her team is leading the introduction of the 21 st Century Sports Car – the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, coming to market this spring. She also leads a Corvette team that is on the cutting-edge of enthusiast marketing. In addition, Karen’s current assignment has her keeping the momentum going for the award winning Chevrolet Malibu and the best-selling domestic car in the U.S., the Impala.

Karen has been very active in racing Chevrolet Corvettes, Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds since 1987 and has won four U.S. National titles in SCCA Solo II competition and nine trophy positions. Karen completed her first 26.2 mile marathon at the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 19, 2008.

Karen has worked for General Motors for 20 years and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business/Communications from Carlow College in Pittsburgh in 1993 and a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business in 2001.

Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that go from "gas-friendly to gas-free,” Chevy has eight models that get 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers three hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. Next year, Chevrolet will offer the Chevy Volt, an extended range electric vehicle that will travel up to 40 miles without using any gas at all. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and provides the best value in every segment in which it competes. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.