Bob Tripolsky

Chevy Communications Manager - Divisional Motorsports & Special Vehicles Brand Communications Manager - Corvette, Camaro, Monte Carlo, SSR

My primary responsibilities on the Chevy Communications team are two-fold. They include overall management of the divisional motorsports communications activities in which 'Bowtie' brands actively participate: NASCAR series (Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck classes), NHRA drag racing and GARRA/ALMS endurance road racing venues. In addition, I serve as Chevrolet's communications liaison with GM's Special Vehicles team, and closely involved with the annual SEMA Show and Woodward Dream Cruise.

The second area of responsibility is serving as Communications champion for the Corvette, Camaro, Monte Carlo and SSR brand teams. This involves a wide range of activities, including but not limited to development and implementation of strategic communication plans for media events, press materials, photography, and a variety of proactive and reactive media relations duties.

Born, raised and educated in Utica, New York, I received an associate's degree in advertising design and production from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) in 1972. A bachelor's degree in public relations from Utica College of Syracuse University followed in 1974.

I started my post-collegiate career in 1974 on the proverbial "other side of the fence," as the Automotive Editor of MECHANIX ILLUSTRATED magazine. Five years later I established my own freelance auto writing/photography/public relations operation, servicing a variety of U.S. and international clients.

After that enlightening experience, I joined Sandy Corporation as a creative executive of employee training programs for a number of diverse accounts ranging from Chevrolet and GM of Canada to Hyatt Hotels and FTD Florists.

My GM career began in 1984 as a public relations staff assistant with Pontiac Division where is was involved in all phases of product, motorsports and aerosports publicity. A promotion in 1988 took me to GM Service Parts Operations where I served as media relations manager, serving both the AC-Delco and GM Parts units.

In July 1990 I joined Saturn Corporation as Corporate Communications Manager - Product Information. My responsibilities centered primarily around liaison activities between our internal technical community and the media. In addition, as team leader of the Michigan-based communications group, I oversaw the development of product and marketing press materials, our Long and Short Lead media events, auto show press conferences, management our national media evaluation vehicle fleet, and Michigan-based internal communications. Along the way I also led Saturn's development and implementation of media launch activities for the GM EV1 electric vehicle program.

On the personal side, I currently reside in Clinton Township, Michigan, with Cathie and our 15-year-old son, John. Among the leisure activities we enjoy as a family are fishing, boating and supporting John's endeavors as a goalie on a ice hockey team.

Revised: January 2001