I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Charles E. Shortridge. I grew up in Detroit Michigan. After graduating High School, I served a four-year tour of duty in the United States Marine Corp. During this time, I achieved the rank of sergeant and spent time in California, North Carolina and a two-year stint in Japan. As a retired Ford Motor company manager, my career began in 1967 as an hourly employee at the Wixom Assembly Plant in Wixom, Michigan. In 1973, I transferred to the salary position as a production supervisor. During my thirty-four years career, I have held a variety of supervisor and managerial positions at facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Specific assignments as Plant manager included Ontario Truck Plant, Ohio and Lorraine assembly plants with managing responsibility for over 4,500 employees. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial management from the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. I also pursued the master’s degree in Industrial program in Human Resources from Central Michigan University.

I am a member of the National Eagle Leadership Institute and organization dedicated to recognizing African American and Latino business persons. A lifetime member of Ford African American network (FAAN). The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Southern Christian leadership conference (SCLC) and recognized a one of the Most Influential African America in Kansas City, Missouri. Past member of Association for the Study of African American Life History (ASALH), Manasota Chapter. Over the years I have used my academic training to work as a substitute school teacher for the Kansas City public school district. As a member of the Brotherhood of Men, I continue to mentor young men between the ages of 8 to 18. The organizational structure also allows me the opportunity to help counsel adult parents on a professional and personal level. My wife and I enjoy family life, our friends, hobbies and the sunshine state.