2026 Featured Guests Coming Soon…
2025 Featured Guests
Matt anderson
Mr. Anderson has a Masters of Arts degree in Public/Applied History from Western Michigan University; he currently serves as the John and Horace Dodge Curator of Transportation at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, where he oversees the development, care, and interpretation of the Museum’s collection of more than 250 significant automobiles. Matt also oversees the Museum’s collection of railroad locomotives and rolling stock, as well as aircraft. Previously, he has served as Archivist & Assistant Director of Collections at the B&O Railroad Museum; was Curator at the Minnesota Historical Society; and was Collections Assistant at the Studebaker National Museum.
Luke chennell
Mr. Chennell is an Associate Professor of Automotive Restoration at McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. Now entering his 19th year of service as a faculty member, Professor Chennell specializes in mechanical restoration and in the history of automotive culture. He specializes in transmissions, rear axles, steering, suspension, and brakes, and teaches materials science and manufacturing including sand casting and pattern making. His interest in vintage automobiles began at age five and has been immersed in the history of the automobile ever since.
Steve purdy
A native of mid Michigan, Steve grew up on a cattle farm with an appreciation of nature and the values of the rural Midwest. Developing an interest in automobiles as a teenager he consistently sought jobs that involved driving. As a young adult he drove a city bus and participated with his younger brother’s SCCA and CanAm racing teams. Steve spent nearly 28 years doing social work. This resulted in his becoming a prolific writer and being attuned to the nuances of unique personalities. Halfway through that social work career he began a variety of automotive and motorsports projects requiring extensive writing and photography. Travel writing also became a special interest. When the State offered an early retirement incentive, Steve left his social work career and converted part-time automotive journalism activities to full-time, making the connection with The Auto Channel and jumping into many other projects and connections.
RÚBEN VERDÉS
Rubén Verdés is a prominent figure in automotive history, recognized for his expertise in Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles. Mr. Verdés has served as Editor of the SAH Journal since 2012 and as SAH Treasurer since 2015. Rubén graduated from Montclair State University with dual majors in finance and accounting. While he passed the CPA exam, he pursued a career in banking rather than public accounting, which included ten years with UBS in New York and as CFO of AmTrade International Bank. He is past president of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club and past treasurer of the Rolls-Royce Foundation. He is the current Editor of The Classic Car for the Classic Car Club of America; he contributes articles to various publications and judges at several concours d’élégance around the country.
2024 Featured Guests
Cindy Sisson
Cindy Sisson, renowned as the Executive Director of Women in Motorsports North America, will be a featured guest at this year’s Concours. She will curate exclusive screenings of "Shirley" and "Boundless: Betty Skelton," followed by engaging Q&A sessions where she will delve into the filmmaking process and the compelling narratives of these legendary racing figures. Cindy brings a distinguished background, having served as Marketing Director of the LPGA, operated her own successful marketing agency, and led the National Foundation on Fitness Sports and Nutrition. Her expertise includes catalyzing substantial sponsorship and activation efforts for NASCAR and various automotive organizations. Cindy’s visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and collaborative spirit are poised to guide WIMNA towards its ambitious future objectives. We are thrilled to introduce Cindy and WIMNA to the Concours community!
Emeline King
Emeline King designed the interior of the 4th Generation (1994-2004) Mustang and made history as the first Black female designer at Ford Motor Company. In recognition of her groundbreaking achievements, she will receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal in July 2024.
Emeline King's role in designing the 1994 SN95 Ford Mustang stands as a significant milestone in automotive history. After completing her studies in Transport Design at the Art Center College of Design and obtaining a BFA in Industrial Design from Wayne State University, she dedicated her career to Ford Motor Company. Ms. King's contributions were further recognized when she authored the autobiography "What Do You Mean A Black Girl Can’t Design Cars?" and was honored at the Detroit Institute of Arts in 2022 for her impactful work on the '94 Ford Mustang, part of an exhibition celebrating Detroit's storied heritage in American car and automotive design.
2023 FEATURED GUEST
KEN GROSS
Ken Gross served as Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. His fourteen critically acclaimed automobile exhibitions have appeared at major Fine Art Museums across the United States. A 32-year Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Chief Class Judge and a member of the Selection Committee, Ken is a founding member of ICJAG, (The International Chief Judges’ Advisory Group). He’s the Chief Judge for the Greenwich (CT) Concours d’Elegance, and he’s judged at many North American and European Concours. The author of twenty-five books, and countless magazine articles, Ken has received The Automotive Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Citation, The International Motor Press Association Ken W. Purdy Award, The Motor Press Guild Dean Bachelor Award, and the Lee Iacocca award. He lives with his wife, Trish Serratore, in Hamilton, Virginia.