Emily Klug is a dynamic and seasoned executive with more than two decades of progressive leadership experience across global supply chain operations, technology implementation, manufacturing, and nonprofit development. Guided by her personal mission—“Connecting people, processes, and tools to elevate organizations to the next level of success”—Emily has earned a reputation as an integrator of systems and a bridge-builder across functional, cultural, and organizational boundaries. Her ability to synthesize complex data, human insight, and operational challenges into actionable strategies has driven measurable results for multinational corporations and grassroots nonprofits alike.
Currently serving as Director of Aftermarket Fulfillment at AM General LLC, a leading defense automotive manufacturer, Emily oversees the strategic execution of global parts distribution and customer service for aftermarket operations. In this critical role, she has consistently improved inventory accuracy, increased customer satisfaction, and strengthened supply chain resilience across international markets. Under her leadership, the company realized a 20% increase in on-time delivery and over $2 million in operational cost savings—proof of her ability to align tactical performance with strategic vision.
Emily’s tenure at AM General has been marked not only by operational excellence, but also by transformative change. She played a pivotal role as Business Co-Lead in a company-wide SAP system implementation, spearheading cross-functional alignment, staff training, and business continuity planning. Her hands-on leadership through this digital transformation is emblematic of her broader career narrative: combining analytical acumen with empathetic leadership to move organizations forward. She has developed teams, restructured workflows, and integrated more than 12,000 technical records into enterprise systems, ensuring sustainability through process discipline and future-ready infrastructure.
Before joining AM General, Emily served in several key leadership positions at Whirlpool Corporation, where she managed global procurement platforms and strategic sourcing initiatives. Her oversight of a $270 million procurement budget, development of vendor governance protocols, and launch of high-impact training programs exemplify her ability to manage complexity while maintaining focus on quality, cost control, and stakeholder value. These contributions reflect her deep understanding of enterprise-level operations and her ability to lead large-scale transformations that balance cost-efficiency with innovation.
Earlier in her career, Emily held multiple roles at Bayer Healthcare, where she served as both Business Intelligence Manager and Sr. Transportation Analyst. Her work in implementing ERP systems, creating performance dashboards, and training multidisciplinary teams laid the groundwork for her fluency in enterprise systems and data analytics. As a subject matter expert for SAP and Oracle integrations, she built tools that improved transparency, empowered end-users, and informed strategic decisions. Her tenure at Bayer not only cemented her credibility in regulated industries but also underscored her ability to bring order to complexity.
Emily’s career foundation was built in the automotive and logistics sectors, beginning with Ford Motor Company and Schneider Logistics. At Ford, she exceeded sales objectives while developing dealer relationships and marketing strategies across the Pacific Northwest. At Schneider, she delivered over $600,000 in implemented cost savings for Chrysler through strategic route optimization and trailer utilization analysis. These early accomplishments reflect her innate drive for results, her knack for data-informed decision-making, and her ability to foster trust across stakeholder groups.
Beyond the private sector, Emily is a passionate advocate for mission-driven work and currently serves as president of two nonprofit boards. As President of the South Bend Chamber Singers and Vice President of the Children’s Museum of South Bend, she brings her operational expertise to community enrichment initiatives. Her leadership has contributed to over $50,000 in fundraising, the commissioning of new choral works, and the development of inclusive family programming. Through this service, Emily lives out her values of equity, creativity, and long-term impact—making her a natural fit for public sector, philanthropic, and academic board roles.
International exposure has also shaped Emily’s perspective. From participating in a study abroad program in Nice, France, to managing global procurement platforms and distribution systems, she has consistently applied her cross-cultural insights to foster inclusive, agile operations. She brings linguistic skills in Spanish and French, complementing her global business competencies and enhancing her ability to connect across cultures and geographies. This global fluency enables her to lead diverse teams and navigate international markets with ease.
Emily holds an MBA with a concentration in SAP Management and a BS in Logistics Management and Marketing from Central Michigan University. She also carries several industry-recognized certifications including the SAP TERP 10 credential, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Purdue University, and extensive training in project management, diversity leadership, and digital transformation. She has presented at industry forums on supply chain best practices and enterprise technology deployments, further reinforcing her influence as both a practitioner and thought leader.
Whether in a boardroom, a plant floor, or a community fundraiser, Emily Klug brings clarity, empathy, and results. Her leadership is grounded in service, her strategies are shaped by systems thinking, and her legacy is defined by the success of the organizations and people she empowers. As she looks to expand her impact through board service and strategic advisory roles, Emily remains driven by the same values that launched her career: operational excellence, human development, and the courage to lead transformative change.
Character:
Emily exemplifies integrity through consistent service to both private and nonprofit sectors, always centering her work around mission-driven outcomes. She is trusted by peers, team members, and board members alike for her follow-through, accountability, and people-first leadership. Her values-based approach enables her to build cultures of respect, inclusion, and shared purpose.
Knowledge:
With over 22 years of experience spanning manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, defense, and nonprofit industries, Emily possesses a rare depth and breadth of industry knowledge. Her technical acumen in ERP systems, supply chain optimization, and data analytics is complemented by a strong foundation in leadership development and change management. This combination equips her to lead organizations through complex transitions with clarity and competence.
Strategic:
Emily is a systems thinker who sees both the forest and the trees. Whether leading a multi-million-dollar procurement initiative or launching a regional arts collaboration, she aligns vision with tactical action. Her ability to connect high-level strategy to day-to-day operations allows her to create scalable solutions that endure beyond her tenure.
Communication:
Emily is a gifted communicator, known for translating complex systems into accessible insights for all audiences—executives, frontline workers, and community members alike. She fosters environments of psychological safety, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. Her communication style reflects her belief that informed, engaged people are the backbone of every high-performing organization.
