Ernest Rodia, HHS Hall of Fame Inductee

From the Havre de Grace High School Hall of Fame Committee:

Upon graduating from HHS, Ernest attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.  In June, 1966, Ernest was hired as a mechanical engineer by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, OH.  He began an illustrious 37 year career at Goodyear when he was selected lead engineer for Goodyear’s entry into radial tires for Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.  In the years that followed his promotions and accomplishments included lead engineer for a team that set up radial tire manufacturing throughout North America and Europe; member of management team responsible for technical exchange with Bridgestone Tire of Japan; leader of the manufacturing team for the introduction and development of the industry’s first all-season tire, the Goodyear Tempo; Director of European Manufacturing in Luxembourg where he was responsible for operations in Europe; director of  North American operations located in Akron, OH; director of operations for the Asia/Pacific region; lead member of search team that purchased Goodyear’s first and only operation in China in the city of Dalian; and vice president of Global Engineering and Manufacturing Technology.  During his tenure at Goodyear, Ernest was the recipient of several honors and recognitions including his appointment by the Oklahoma State Legislature to serve as one of eight Regents for Higher Education for the State of Oklahoma and appointment as a board member for the Engineering Advancement Council at Akron University.  In 2008, Ernest graduated from the Harvard Advancement Management Program.  After his retirement from Goodyear in 2003, Ernest started a consulting business, TMUS, Inc.  In 2004, he returned to Goodyear to serve as plant manager of Farm Tire operations in Freeport, IL and retired again in 2005.  Ernest then accepted a position with Titan International as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer until his retirement in 2008.  Currently, Ernest is an engineering and operations consultant for Titan International through TMUS, Inc.  Ernest’s involvement in community activities in the cities where he has lived and worked include the Rotary Club, Little League coach, Chamber of Commerce; “Christmas Kids”, where teams of employees adopted underprivileged children for Christmas; “Handicapped Movie Day”, a day at the movies for handicapped children and adults; and “Youth Fishing Rodeo”, a day of fishing and fun for retirees, employees and their children and grandchildren.