Dr. Hicks is a 29 year veteran within the manufacturing industry.  Most recently, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of J. B. Poindexter & Company, Inc. in Houston, Texas.

Previously, Dr. Hicks was the President of ITT Industries Automotive, Inc. and held Vice Presidential and General Management positions at Eaton Corporation.  In both capacities he was responsible for global operations engaged in the design, development, and manufacturing of major automotive components.  He was the 2003 recipient of ITT Industries prestigious award for leadership.  

Prior to his involvement as a supplier to major original equipment manufacturers, Dr. Hicks retired from Ford Motor Company after 20 years of leadership at both the corporate and operating unit levels.  His last position with Ford was as Executive Director, Worldwide Logistics Planning, Procurement and Operations.  In his career with Ford, Dr. Hicks successfully completed key executive assignments in Brazil and Mexico. 

Dr. Hicks holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Organizational Communications from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan; a Master Degree in Organizational Communications from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  He has been a visiting lecturer at Cornell University and a guest lecturer at Northwestern and Harvard University School of Business Administration.

Dr. Hicks has been a member of numerous Boards of Directors, particularly in the areas of minority business development.  He was the 2005 recipient of the Native American Business Alliances “Man of the Year” award.  Dr. Hicks is a Viet Nam veteran.  He is an enrolled member of the Shawnee Nation, Blue Creek Band.

Dr. Hicks is presently consulting in the area of Organizational Leadership, to several companies.