Cheryl Carrier is the Executive Director of Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL).
Cheryl leads the team responsible for developing and managing the innovative Ford NGL program, which is designed to engage educators, employers, and community leaders in the common goal of preparing today’s students for the careers of tomorrow. Through community engagement, Ford NGL provides a proven framework to develop career awareness, exposure and ultimately exploration through K-12 programs that are career-themed and provide students with opportunities to engage in relevant, academically rigorous, authentic learning opportunities with local employers – thus improving student and workforce outcomes and increasing community prosperity.
Ford NGL is working in large and small communities across the country and in the United Kingdom that are using the Ford NGL framework and roadmap. Cheryl works closely with business executives, government/civic leaders, and economic development and workforce development intermediaries to help align education with the skills needed by companies and the local region.
Cheryl joined Ford in 1978 and has held positions in Engineering, Finance, Business Strategy, and Investor Relations. Cheryl assisted Ford Executive Chairman William Clay Ford, Jr., for many years, including a special assignment with the Detroit Lions, as the Human Resource Director, where she was responsible for developing human resource policy. Cheryl retired from Ford on December 31, 2013 and has continued as the Executive Director of Ford NGL, working closely with Ford Motor Company Fund.
Cheryl is a co-lead on the ACTE/Ford NGL Workforce Development Through CTE Coalition and leads the ACTE Career Academy Section and is Policy Committee Member for ACTE’s New and Related Service Division. Cheryl resides with her husband in Petoskey, MI and hopes to eventually own a home in Italy where she frequently travels.
