Kara Demirjian

Kara Demirjian Huss is a visionary leader in electric vehicle technology, manufacturing, marketing, and community development. As the Senior Vice President of TCCI Manufacturing, she plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability and innovation in the commercial vehicle and specialty automotive industry. TCCI, headquartered in Illinois with operations across 10 countries, is a global leader in compressor technology and electric vehicle components.

Under Kara’s leadership, TCCI became the first recipient of the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV Illinois Act) incentives in 2022. This achievement is part of a broader $45 million facility redevelopment initiative, a public-private partnership with Richland Community College and the City of Decatur. The initiative will culminate in the Illinois EV Innovation Hub, scheduled for completion in December 2024. This state-of-the-art facility will integrate EV compressor production, a Climatic Center for Innovation & Research, and the EV Workforce Training Academy. Kara’s work in the EV Workforce Academy focuses on bridging gaps in the green job market by developing a robust pipeline of skilled workers through degree programs, stackable certificates, apprenticeships, and COOP programs in advanced manufacturing, computer science, and engineering.

Kara’s efforts extend beyond manufacturing. She is a respected thought leader and keynote speaker at national events, discussing topics such as the clean energy economy, infrastructure development, and grid integration and expansion. Her contributions to policy-making and industry standards include being a leading figure in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of the GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 rule (HDV rule). Kara’s work supports federal funding opportunities that advance economic development, innovation, and workforce development across electrification, energy, and agriculture-related industries.

Her commitment to economic growth and community engagement is exemplified by her appointment to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB), where she advises on statewide workforce development initiatives. As Co-Chair of the Business Engagement Committee, she leads efforts to promote apprenticeship programs and enhance employment opportunities, ensuring Illinois remains at the forefront of industrial innovation. In her role as Vice President of the Illinois Manufacturers Association, Kara advocates for policies that support manufacturing growth and collaboration between industry leaders and educational institutions.

As the Founder and President of DCC Marketing, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE/WBENC), Kara leads a marketing agency known for its impactful initiatives and multicultural strategies. DCC Marketing has executed campaigns on workforce development, climate technology, federal funding initiatives, and more. The agency’s focus on behavioral research has driven consumer education and behavior change, from launching the 988 suicide prevention hotline to promoting energy-saving habits.

Kara holds several leadership and advisory roles, including serving as Vice President of the Illinois Manufacturers Association Board, The Will Group, LLC (MBE/DBE) Advisory Board, and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine Advisory Council. She is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) in the Chicago and Central Illinois Chapters. Her dedication to education and community development has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Novak Mission Impact Award from Richland Community College, 2024 Educational Partner of the Year award from Richland Community College, the 2023 Decatur Public Schools Alumni of the Year, and being named among the Top 50 Most Influential Women by Fighting Illini Athletics.