The Northwood University board of trustees has named John R. Washbish a 2019 Outstanding Business Leader.
Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, is a 50-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket.
Conceived by Dr. Arthur Turner, co-founder of Northwood University, and established by the Northwood University board of trustees in 1981, the annual Outstanding Business Leader Awards program recognizes leaders in the American free-enterprise system.
The Northwood University board of trustees presents the Outstanding Business Leader Awards. Selected based on personal achievement, each awardee typifies the unique philosophy of Northwood University. Criteria used in the selection of awardees include contribution to the philosophy of private enterprise, support of the integration of business and the arts, contribution to education, economic innovation, creative marketing ideas, community involvement, religious leadership, philanthropic contributions and business success.
“We couldn’t be more excited and proud of John,” said Keith Pretty, president and CEO of Northwood University. “John is a Northwood man. He has dedicated his life and career to the automotive aftermarket. His roots are here at Northwood. We’d like to think that some of his wild success comes from his foundation he received here.”
Washbish’s service to the industry includes stints as president of the Automotive Sales Council and National Engine Parts Manufacturers Association. He has served as chairman of the Young Executive Society and the Manufacturers Advisory Council of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA). He has held seats on the board of directors for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. He currently serves on the AWDA Council of Governors and is the senior vice chairman of University of the Aftermarket Foundation. He is a current Young Auto Care Networking Group mentor.
Washbish has been the recipient of numerous leadership awards, including the AWDA Leader of the Year in 2004. He also is the recipient of Northwood’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award, and twice has been recognized as the university’s Alumni of the Year.
Washbish will receive his Outstanding Business Leader award at the 39th annual award ceremony hosted by Northwood on March 15 and 16 at The Breakers Hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida. In attendance will be more than 200 people, including the 2019 incoming honoree class, past honorees, board members, Northwood students and friends and family of Northwood.
Visit www.northwood.edu/obl for a complete listing of past honorees.
