Auto writer and Test Drive columnist for USA TODAY for 27 years prior to retiring in 2015. Now writing auto stories as freelancer.

Served as a judge on the North American Car and Truck of the Year panel. Served two terms as president of the Washington Automotive Press Association.

Broke stories on GM faulty ignition swithes, Ford/Firestone deadly rollover accidents.

Stories on potentially deadly airbags resulted in design changes (and the yellow warning stickers on all vehicles' sun visors). "Death by the Gallon" story showed that government mpg regulations triggered move to smaller cars, resulting in thousands more deaths in accidents than would have been the case in larger cars.