The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) announced that Chris Gardner has been promoted to the position of senior vice president of operations for the association.
“Chris is an outstanding member of the AASA team, bringing his experience and dedication to our mission of advancing the business interests of the automotive aftermarket industry and our valued supplier members,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “Chris has established himself as a valuable member-resource in the area of advanced aftermarket technologies, providing leadership in growing AASA’s highly rated Aftermarket Technology Conference and raising awareness of technology-driven opportunities throughout the aftermarket industry.”
“This promotion recognizes Chris’s contribution to our members and our association through his pursuit to learning, continuous improvement and personal drive to ‘take to another level’ the value we bring our members,” said Paul McCarthy, AASA executive vice president. “Chris serves as a role model for the team and has earned the respect of aftermarket industry executives.”
Gardner’s responsibilities include the AASA Technology Council and the AASA Technology Conference, the aftermarket’s leading technology event. He represents AASA supplier members on the Aftermarket Telematics Task Force, AASA Telematics Working Group, NASTF’s Equipment & Tool Committee and the AASA Vehicle Data Work Group. Gardner also manages the association’s new mobility technology initiatives and oversees AASA’s newest forum, the Mobility Technology Council.
He provides management for many of the association’s major events, including AAPEX. Gardner manages the association’s Intellectual Property Council. He also serves as AASA’s representative for the Lifetime Trustee position with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. Gardner has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and has received two automotive component patents. He joined the MEMA/AASA organization in 1998.
Gardner holds a bachelor of science degree from North Carolina State University and has earned his Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designation from Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket. He is a past recipient of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.
