March 27, 2025
Ferris State alum Diane Maher earns 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award for her service to the auto industry
Ferris State University alumna Diane Maher, the president and chief strategy officer of DP Fox Ventures LLC and president and chief operating officer at Fox Motor Group, has received the Cox Automotive 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award.
The annual award recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to the automotive industry, championed community advocacy and demonstrated leadership.
A certified public accountant since 1987, Maher oversees operations at 43 locations and 51 brands at Fox Motors, a division of DP Fox Ventures LLC, a diversified management company with interests in transportation, sports and entertainment, fashion and retail, resort management and real estate.
With a workforce of 2,175 under her leadership, Maher has played a key role in shaping her organization’s growth.
“Recognizing and celebrating remarkable women leaders in the automotive industry is deeply rooted in our values at Cox Automotive,” said Steve Rowley, president of Cox Automotive. “Barbara Cox, the namesake of this award, was a true pioneer – an entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate for women in business. Diane Maher embodies that same spirit.”
Rowley said Maher’s success in leading DP Fox Ventures and Fox Motors, her unwavering commitment to improving her community, and her example of hard work and humility inspire us all, especially women aspiring to leadership in this industry.
Maher, who graduated from Ferris State with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business.
She joined DP Fox as vice president of Finance in 1993 and oversaw the acquisition of all Fox Motors dealerships since 2000. Before her role at DP Fox, Maher built a strong financial foundation at Deloitte & Touche LLP as an audit manager and consultant.
Maher founded the One StarFish Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to dismantling stigma and providing resources for individuals impacted by mental illness, homelessness and incarceration. She also lends her leadership to boards such as Our Daily Bread Ministries and the West Michigan Policy Forum.
Along with the award, Maher will designate a $10,000 donation to the charity of her choice. Cox Automotive will award a $10,000 scholarship to Brooke Englehardt, a junior at Northwood University, home to the nation’s leading Automotive Marketing and Management program.
“Barbara Cox was not just ahead of her time – she was a trailblazer whose passion for cars, business, family, and community continues to inspire countless others, including me,” Maher said.
“Like Barbara, I have always believed in making an impact through my passions. These donations continue Barbara’s legacy by providing financial support and encouragement to Brooke at Northwood and supporting a charity that is important to my community – One Starfish Foundation. These enduring gifts reflect her ideals and remind us all of the power of a life well lived. Cheers to Barbara Cox, her family, and the lasting impact they continue to make in our industry!”