"Following ten years or so in the human resources field that included assignments in Latin America and Asia, I was selected for a position in Ford's Corporate Strategy in International Business Development. Following a stint handling Ford's South Korean joint venture and equity investments, I was appointed Director of Ford China," McKee explained.
The purpose of that office was to handle the business development strategy for possible opportunities for Ford in China, as well as Ford's relations with the Chinese Government. McKee moved his office from Dearborn, Mich., to Beijing, where he established Ford's presence in China.
Mckee was instrumental in developing a strategy that established component part manufacturing in China—which supplied and developed the Chinese car and truck industry.This included the development of a Ford Motor Company dealership network throughout the country. Today, Ford manufactures and sells both cars and trucks in China—now considered the world's largest automotive industry, which is expected to reach 40 million cars and trucks by the year 2020 (twice the size of the U.S. market). McKee retired to Punta Gorda, Florida.
"Twelve years following my retirement, China celebrated the 30 year anniversary of the opening of China to foreign investment. This coincided with the 2008 Summer Olympics. " McKee explained that, "several hundred Chinese citizens and two foreigners were selected to be honored with honorary titles and Olympic style gold medals. President Hu Jintao presented me with a medal and gave me the honorary title of China Automotive Pioneer for my work in helping to develop the Chinese Automotive Industry. The other foreigner was the retired head of Volkswagen China. "
McKee wasn't the only member of the family doing well in China—his wife, Evelyn, taught English as a second language and landed the lead role on the Chinese National Television show, Mrs. Anderson Comes to China on Business. The show, and Mrs. Anderson, were quite popular, prompting government officials to joke with McKee that he should be known as 'Mr. Anderson'.
Today, McKee continues his participation with the National Committee on US China Relations. He has a growing Chinese stamp collection and enjoys boating, fishing, and walking on the beach. He also collects rare books and enjoys spending his retirement with his wife and grandchildren.
Although he's traveled many miles since leaving WMU, McKee comments that he continues to carry fond memories of east campus. "I could not afford living in a dormitory, so I rented a room in a house near the east campus and worked as a chef's assistant at the Hotel Harris. I loved my graduate school classes in experimental psychology. My graduate school education in industrial psychology gave my mind a unique quantitative perception in my business career. I am grateful for the the many excellent professors who taught us at WMU. The quality of the education I received made it possible for me to succeed in my career."