Gretchen Borden
About Gretchen Borden
Gretchen Borden serves as the Chief Engineer at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, where she has worked since 2022. With a career spanning over two decades at Harley-Davidson, she has held various engineering roles and emphasizes people development and continuous improvement.
Current Role at Harley-Davidson
Gretchen Borden currently serves as Chief Engineer at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she oversees engineering initiatives and contributes to the development of motorcycle products. Prior to becoming Chief Engineer, she worked as Engineering Manager from 2019, where she focused on managing engineering teams and projects. Her extensive experience at Harley-Davidson spans multiple roles, showcasing her commitment to the company's engineering excellence.
Previous Positions at Harley-Davidson
Gretchen Borden has held several key positions at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. She worked as Technical Lead for Chassis Decorative & Travel for 10 months in 2016-2017 and as Engineering Manager for the same division from 2017 to 2019. Additionally, she served as Supply Base Analyst Sr. for Parts, Accessories, Customization (PAC) from 2011 to 2012, and as Project Engineer for Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) from 2005 to 2011. Her career at Harley-Davidson began as an Analytical Engineer in OE Engineering from 2001 to 2005.
Education and Expertise
Gretchen Borden holds a Master's degree in Engineering Management from Marquette University, which she completed from 2004 to 2007. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution from 1999 to 2003. Additionally, she obtained a Leadership Certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her educational background supports her expertise in Full Vehicle Testing, Root Cause Analysis, Strategy, and Negotiation.
Focus on People Development
Gretchen Borden emphasizes People Development within her engineering teams at Harley-Davidson. This focus indicates her commitment to mentoring and nurturing talent, ensuring that team members grow in their roles. Her leadership style fosters an environment conducive to professional development, which is essential for maintaining a skilled workforce in the competitive motorcycle industry.
Background in Continuous Improvement
Gretchen Borden has a background in Continuous Improvement, a critical aspect of enhancing product quality and operational efficiency at Harley-Davidson. Her involvement in this area reflects her commitment to refining processes and driving innovation within the engineering department. This focus on continuous improvement aligns with the company's goals of delivering high-quality motorcycles and maintaining industry leadership.