ODU MET ‘78 Alum Wilbert W. James is the newest President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing's Georgetown, Kentucky plant

Identified as one of the 100 most powerful executives in corporate America by Entrepreneur magazine, Wilbert W. James is the newly appointed President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) located in Georgetown, Kentucky.  TMMK is home to the Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Venza vehicles directly employing nearly 7,000 team members.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering technology and an associate degree in applied sciences from Old Dominion University.  The Georgetown plant is the largest Toyota plant outside Japan.  Recently Mr. James was the key note speaker for Toyota's 21st Opportunity Exchange held at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati in addition to remarks by special guest Reverend Jesse Jackson.  Now in its 21st year, the event serves as a business development opportunity for minority business enterprises (MBEs) from across the nation to make viable connections - and land potential contracts - with Toyota's direct suppliers.

James grew up in Norfolk, VA and often credits his father, Wilbert James Sr., with his work ethic and introduction to the automotive business.  Mr. James serves as Toyota's representative on the Board of Affiliates for the National Society of Black Engineers.  He also is a member of the Board of Regents for Kentucky State University, Academic UpRise and Toyota's diversity champion for TEMA.  Past public service roles included the Board for the Urban League of Louisville, Ky., the Kentucky Humanities Council, and The Partnership for Youth Organizations.  Mr. James is also an active member of The Executive Leadership Conference and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Additional past affiliations include Chairman of the Board for Georgetown Municipal Water and Sewer Service and Toyota Federal Credit Union in addition to membership on the Board of North Carolina A&T School of  Engineering.