Washington, DC. The Environmental Law Institute is excited to announce Cynthia Williams as the recipient of the 2024 Environmental Achievement Award. Given annually, this award recognizes those who are leaders in their field and have made notable contributions to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability. Highlighting accomplishments in the environmental arena is crucial to setting standards in the environmental profession, celebrating environmental progress, and recognizing dedication to environmental causes.
For over thirty years, Cynthia has worked at the intersection of transportation and sustainability, in service of a future of mobility that is sustainable and just. She began her tenure at Ford in 1992 as part of the Ford College Graduate Program in the Automotive Emissions and Fuel Economy Office, and is now the Global Director of Sustainability, Homologation and Compliance. In this leadership position, Cynthia plays a central role in establishing Ford’s goals and investments for reaching carbon neutrality, leading industry efforts to meet the nation’s clean vehicle standards and developing the most responsible and sustainable global supply chain possible. She is committed not just to a greener future, but one where electric vehicles are made ethically, where clean energy solutions are accessible and affordable, and where there is infrastructure in place to support the environment and local communities through this green transition.
Cynthia plays a central role in advancing Ford’s Road to Better strategy, a roadmap for creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable transportation future. While her primary focus is achieving carbon neutrality for the company, Cynthia’s impact extends beyond Ford, driving industry-wide efforts to meet the nation’s clean vehicle standards and playing an integral role in developing responsible international supply chains.
“Cynthia’s work exemplifies what is needed to facilitate sustainable change,” observed ELI President Jordan Diamond. “The electric mobility transition is incredibly complex and carries profound potential for impact. Throughout her career Cynthia has built and shepherded thoughtful, collaborative, innovative initiatives to bring about this transition, built on deep knowledge and an inclusive approach.”
Both within and outside of her role with Ford, Cynthia is dedicated to giving back to her community and mentoring the next generation of environmental leaders. She is a member of the Michigan Governor’s Council on Climate Solutions, which focuses on the implementation of environmental and energy solutions to tackle the climate crisis. She also serves on numerous Boards, including those of CALSTART and VELOZ, nonprofit organizations working to develop and promote clean and efficient transportation solutions, as well as the Torch of Wisdom Foundation, Inc., which aims to improve and promote education across the U.S.
"I'm fortunate to have worked my entire career for a company that integrates sustainability into every aspect of our business, a vision that Bill Ford has set himself as a true sustainability leader" said Cynthia Williams, Global Director, Sustainability, Homologation and Compliance, Ford Motor Company. "When it comes to driving real environmental and social progress, it takes a village. And we have that here at Ford, striving always to be the most trusted company for our customers and for communities around the world."
The award is officially presented at the ELI Annual Award Dinner, held this year on October 22, where environmental leaders from around the world convene to honor the awardee, build new connections, and support the research, education, and training programs of ELI.
Learn more about Cynthia’s work here: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/people/cynthia-williams.html
Learn more about ELI’s award dinner here: https://www.eli.org/award-dinner