Cummins recently named Melina Kennedy vice president of product compliance and regulatory affairs. In this newly created role, Kennedy will oversee engine emission certification, product compliance, and regulations related to Cummins products. Kennedy will report to Cummins Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, the product compliance and regulatory affairs organization will focus on strengthening Cummins’ collaboration with the environmental agencies that set emissions regulations and certification processes to ensure continued compliance with increasingly challenging global emissions regulations.
The new organization will function independently from, and provide oversight to, the product development teams and business units.
“Melina brings tireless energy, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to excellence that is needed to launch this new organization,” said Linebarger. “She has proven herself to be a capable leader who understands our people, our customers and their needs, and our business. With more than two decades of experience in law, government and business, Melina has the ideal combination of experience and skill needed to make this organization a success.”
During the last six years, Kennedy has led various Cummins business markets. Most recently, Kennedy served as general manager and executive director of the pick-up truck business and prior to that she led the rail and defense business.
Before joining Cummins, Kennedy was a partner at the law firm of Baker & Daniels, where she led the firm’s energy, environment and climate change practice group. There, she concentrated her practice on public finance, economic development, and environmental matters, where she counseled numerous clients on complex matters. Kennedy also has worked in local government, serving as deputy mayor for Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson.
Kennedy received her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and history, her master’s in environmental science at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and her J.D. from Indiana University, Bloomington. She is active in her community and currently serves as president of the Capital Improvements board, a member of the 2021 NBA All-Star Committee, and the Impact 100 board of directors.
