Mauro Cifelli of Vast-Auto Distribution to Lead Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association

Mauro Cifelli of Vast-Auto Distribution to Lead Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association

Cifelli succeeds Bobby Segal of Sanel NAPA in Concord, New Hampshire, who successfully led the association the previous two years and remains on the board as immediate past-chairman.

The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, announced the addition of its newest officers and governors immediately following the conclusion of AAPEX 2018 in Las Vegas.

Effective Nov. 1, the new AWDA chairman is Mauro Cifelli, president and CEO of Montreal-based Vast-Auto Distribution. Cifelli succeeds Bobby Segal of Sanel NAPA in Concord, New Hampshire, who successfully led the association the previous two years and remains on the board as immediate past-chairman.

AWDA’s new officers are:

  • Vice chairman – Henry Slack, Slack Auto Parts, Gainesville, Georgia
  • Secretary – Ryan Samuels, Samuels Inc., Vauxhall, New Jersey
  • Treasurer – Tim Trudnowski, Automotive Jobbers Supply, Spokane, Washington

“These new officers join a long and distinguished line of great leaders that have come through AWDA,” said Larry Northup, executive director of AWDA. “Their commitment to the industry is inspiring. It’s truly an honor to work with them.”

AWDA’s new governors are:

  • Mike Buzzard, Auto Plus/Icahn Automotive Group, Kennesaw, Georgia
  • Kelly Spence Connolly, Tri-States Automotive Warehouse, Marianna, Florida
  • Charles Crouse, TBA & Oil Warehouse, Indianapolis,
  • Jesse Kaplan, Neptune Warehouse Distributors, Chelsea, Massachusetts

“AWDA’s nominating committee insists that, if asked, any incoming governor must be qualified to serve as chairman,” said Northup. “The result of this long-standing tradition is a consistent supply of high-quality board members who are interested, engaged and committed to traditional distribution, the aftermarket and their association.”

In the coming year, the AWDA board will support and represent traditional distribution within the Auto Care Association and the aftermarket industry at large. AWDA also will continue its long tradition of supporting industry education through sizeable donations to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

AWDA represents more than 600 top distributors and manufacturers of motor vehicle parts nationwide. The 71-year old organization is a key segment of the Auto Care Association.

For more information about AWDA, contact Northup at 301-654-6664 or [email protected].

You May Also Like

Shaw Assumes Leadership of MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers

Collin Shaw succeeds Julie Fream who served 10 years in the position.

MEMA announced Collin Shaw has officially assumed the role of president of MEMA’s Original Equipment Suppliers group, succeeding Julie Fream who served for 10 years in the position. Shaw’s commencement provides a continuation of leadership that ensures MEMA’s support of the supplier community’s evolution toward embracing emerging trends and strategies that will redefine the automotive supply chain’s future, the organization says. 

Jacki Lutz Named Content Director at Auto Care Association

Lutz will be tasked with leading a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy, development and execution across all platforms.

Jacki Lutz Auto Care
Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

MEMA’s Ann Wilson, Longtime Aftermarket Lobbyist, to Retire 

MEMA has chosen Ana Meuwissen to lead MEMA’s government-affairs initiatives and team upon Wilson’s retirement.

Ann Wilson MEMA
MEMA, Gemini Shippers Association Sign Strategic Partnership

The partnership aims to offer top-tier international transportation procurement services to automotive OEM and aftermarket suppliers.

MEMA Gemini Shippers

Other Posts

AACF Launches 65th Anniversary Fundraising Initiative

The campaign aims to raise $65,000 through 1,000 donations of $65 each.

AAPEX Named One of 50 Fastest-Growing Shows in 2023  

This is the second consecutive year that AAPEX earned a spot in TSE’s Fastest 50 Class. 

AAPEX 2023
The Group Moves Conference to November to Align with AAPEX, AWDA

“This is an important time for our industry to come together to advance its strength and opportunity,” said Larry Pavey, CEO of The Group.

Schaeffler Publishes 2023 Sustainability Report 

Schaeffler was awarded an “A” score in the climate change category for 2023 by the global non-profit environmental organization CDP for corporate transparency and performance.

Schaeffler Sustainability Report