AIAG/WSU Automotive Supply Chain Immersion Program

Get the right blend of practical and theoretical knowledge — from a unique team of industry and academic experts — at our 2025 Automotive Supply Chain Immersion Program! 

Wayne State University - Mike Ilitch School of Business
With instructors from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and Wayne State University, this one-of-a-kind training supports developing professionals with a deep dive into purchasing and supply chain management.

Hosted by AIAG and the Wayne State University (WSU) Mike Ilitch School of Business’ top-ranked Global Supply Chain Management programs, our 20-week program supports developing professionals with: 

  • An engaging, interactive learning experience: Actively engage with real-world scenarios via group discussions, breakout activities, presentations, case studies, facility tours, online sessions, and other immersive methods of instruction. 
  • Instruction from top industry and academic leaders: Gain insights from a diverse group of professionals, including experts from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and experienced academic faculty.
  • An in-depth exploration of current and emerging topics: Prepare for both current and future industry demands with a deep dive into everything from from EV infrastructure and AI to procurement strategy, supplier development, quality management, and more.
  • Capstone project and certification: Wrap up with a final project and presentation, earning an endorsed certificate for successfully meeting program requirements.

This exclusive training not only condenses complex concepts and best practices into a more accessible format, but helps you build lasting relationships and valuable connections to better adapt and succeed in the ever-evolving automotive industry. 

Find out more below, and fill out an application today for our 2025 program!

"Completing the WSU & AIAG Certificate in Purchasing & Supply Chain has significantly advanced my career. The program’s comprehensive curriculum provided me with essential knowledge and practical skills directly applicable to my role. The dedicated instructors ensured we fully grasped the material, and the opportunity to network with industry peers was invaluable. This certification has truly enhanced my ability to drive efficiencies and innovation within my organization."- Nathan Holdsworth, Senior Buyer, Seat Structures and Components, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, General Motors

AIAG/WSU Certificate Program

Automotive Supply Chain Immersion Program

Mail:
Automotive Industry Action Group
4400 Town Center
Southfield, MI 48075-1104 USA

Phone: (248) 358-3003
Email: trainingcontact@aiag.org
Fax: (248) 799-7995

* If registering by mail, registration must be received no later than 15 days prior to the scheduled class date.

2025 Program Overview

Program Dates

February 27 - May 8, 2025
September 4 - November 13, 2025

Program Time

Thursdays from 3:30pm - 7:00pm

Program Location

Virtual (Zoom)
or in person at
AIAG Headquarters


Program Schedule

February 27 Kickoff and Industry Update
March 6 Globalization & Vehicle SCM and Forecasting
March 13 SCM Finance
March 20 Risk Management and Improving Supply Chain Performance
March 27 Category Management and Buyer/Seller Relations & Innovation
April 3 Purchasing Legal and Manufacturing/Scheduling/Capacity/Lean
April 10 Quality Management and Corporate Responsibility 
April 17 Break Day (No Class)
April 24 Negotiations and Supplier Development
May 1 Plant Tour
May 8 Authentic Leadership and First Half Wrap Up
June-August Summer Break (No Class)
September 4 Global Sourcing & Total Enterprise Cost
September 13 Global Customs/Security Management
September 20 Cybersecurity and AI/Predictive Analysis
September 27 Packaging and Warehousing/Sequencing/Cross-Dock/Pooling Strategies
October 9 Battery and EV
October 16 Inventory Management Strategy and Materials Management
October 23 3PL Logistics and Class Presentations
October 30 Aftermarket and Class Presentations
November 6 Finished Vehicle Logistics and Class Presentations
November 13 Wrap Up and Graduation

Program Speakers

Lori Sisk
Associate Professor of Teaching, Supply Chain, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University
Brandon Mason
Lead Analyst, Global Market Intelligence, Eaton Corporation
Mike Silvio Director, Corporate Supply Chain, Gibralter Industries
Manoj Kulchania Associate Professor of Finance, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University
Bill Hurles Former Executive Director of Global Supply Chain Operations, General Motors
Terry Onica
Director of Automotive, QAD
Cathy Fisher President, Quistem, LLC
Tim Smith
Attorney, Warner, Norcross + Judd LLP
Christopher Barette Vice President, North America Supply, Stellantis
Harald Wilhelm
Vice President, Quality Products and Services, AIAG
Tanya Bolden Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Supply Chain, AIAG
Lecedra Welch-Jones Program Manager, CR Environmental Sustainability, Supply Chain Products and Services, AIAG
Randy Pappal Supply Chain, Gentex Corporation
Hakan Yilidz
Department Chair and Associate Professor of Supply Chain, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University
Sylvester Hestor President and CEO, LM Manufacturing
Hugo DeCampos
Assistant Professor, Supply Chain Management, Weber State University
Ed Doughtery Senior Customs Analyst, Valeo
Adam Youngblood Global Technology Lead, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Bridget Grewal Director, Packaging Continuous Improvement, Magna Corporation
Samuel Haberl Vice President, Automotive Business Development, Our Next Energy (ONE) 
Mike Wall Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global 
Jeff Rightmer
Supply Chain, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University 
Patrick Bauer Vice President, Supply Chain, IAC Group
Brian Green Senior Director, Customer Logistics, Ryder Corporation
Jeff Peterson Director, Global Trade and Logistics Continuous Improvement, Tenneco
Nick Thompson Vice President, North America Finished Logistics, VASCOR Logistics

Have questions about this program? Get in touch!