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Northwood University to Honor Eight Aftermarket Professionals With Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award

Published on 10/22/2009 11:53:45 AM
Northwood University will honor eight automotive aftermarket leaders with its annual Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award on Tuesday, November 3.

MIDLAND, MI – Northwood University will honor eight automotive aftermarket leaders with its annual Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award on Tuesday, November 3, at 11:45 a.m. in the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The awards will be presented during a luncheon at the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo Show (AAPEX).

Those being honored are. William E. Alexander, regional vice president, Uni-Select USA, Roanoke, Virginia; Mark Iasiello, vice president, Heavy Duty Manufacturing Association, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Pamela A. Krebs, director advertising and sales promotion, Robert Bosch LLC, Broadview, Illinois; Roger McCollum, president and CEO, N.A. Williams Company, Atlanta, Georgia; Gary D. McCoy, president, Fairway Communications, Elgin, Illinois; M. Kathryn Miller, president and group publisher, Newport Communications Group, Irvine, California; James Tennant, CEO/co-owner, Piston Ring Service Supply, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and Douglas R. Washbish, president, Moog Louisville Warehouse, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky.

The Northwood Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award is given to individuals in the Automotive Aftermarket field who have made noteworthy contributions to education, on any level, inside or outside of the industry. They are people of stature and the award is recognition of substantial dedication over a number of years to the educational process and the field of Automotive Aftermarket.

About Northwood's Automotive Aftermarket Program

The automotive aftermarket parts industry continues to need managerial personnel due to the high demand for automotive parts. The role of Northwood University is to develop the management skills of those individuals who want to take advantage of the opportunities available in the automotive aftermarket industry. It is important to note that Northwood University is the only university that offers a bachelor's degree in Automotive Aftermarket Management.

About Northwood University

Northwood University is committed to the most personal attention to prepare students for success in their careers and in their communities; it promotes critical thinking skills and personal effectiveness, and the importance of ethics, individual freedom and responsibility.

Private, nonprofit and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at three full-service, residential campuses located in southern Florida, mid-Michigan and northern Texas. Adult Degree Programs are available in eight states with many course delivery options including online. The DeVos Graduate School offers full-time, evening and industry specific master's degree programs for entrepreneurs and executives in Michigan, Texas and Switzerland. The Alden B. Dow Creativity Center on the Midland, Michigan Campus specializes in creative thinking and innovation development. International education is offered through terms abroad and in Program Centers in Switzerland, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bahrain. Northwood University also operates the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Maine.

For more information visit http://www.northwood.edu.

Bios for the Awardees are below:

William E. Alexander
Regional Vice President
Uni-Select USA
Roanoke, Virginia

William Alexander has devoted his career to excellence in the automotive parts industry since the late 1980s. Prior to his position with Uni-Select, he served as CEO, COO and president of Parts Depot, Inc.

The incoming chairman of AWDA Board of Governors, Mr. Alexander is a past member of the AAIA Category Management, Market Research, and Automotive Segment Committees as well as a past member of AWDA Research and Financial Statistics Committee.

He has taught and presented on both supply chain management and traditional channel marketing at many industry venues.

Mr. Alexander is an active leader at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Roanoke, Virginia, and a past board and executive committee member of Answering the Call, a worldwide mission organization. He has also taught Bible study to men's groups, young adult and junior high school groups. Mr. Alexander serves as an active mentor of young men through action sports venues in drag racing and wakeboarding. He is a 1986 graduate of California Polytechnic University in Pomona, California.

Northwood University salutes William E. Alexander for his contributions to education and his community and presents him with the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.

Mark Iasiello
Vice President
Heavy Duty Manufacturing Association
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Mark Iasiello is an active leader in the heavy duty industry. He serves as a Heavy Duty Forum member, AWDA Financial Statistics and Research Committee chair and is on the Council of Fleet Specialists, the Truck Maintenance Council and the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association.

An advocate for professional education, Mr. Iasiello has coordinated education programs for the University of the Aftermarket since 2006. New technologies and products, competitive issues, and ongoing customer/employee training have motivated Mr. Iasiello to professional action.

He began his involvement in and focus on training and development as an Army officer and then continued through volunteer activities throughout his professional career. Understanding that "you learn as much as you teach," he credits his activities as a scoutmaster with Boy Scouts of America and his role with young adults and peers in heavy duty advanced selling strategies at the University of the Aftermarket for providing significant personal and professional development.

In addition to his service as a scoutmaster, he is a past Friends of Scouting Fundraiser. Mr. Iasiello is a lector coordinator for St. Mary Magdalen and a Eucharistic minister there as well. He is also currently serving as treasurer of his home owners' association.

Northwood University is honored to present Mark Iasiello, who has dedicated his career to quality and education, with the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.

Pamela A. Krebs
Director, Advertising and Sales Promotion
Robert Bosch LLC
Broadview, Illinois

Pamela Krebs is an award-winning aftermarket professional, having been recognized as the 2007 Car Care Council Women's Board "Women of the Year." She has also earned a multitude of branding and communications awards over a span of 25+ years, including the Obie Award, Mobius Award, Long International Award, Clio Award, and Popai Award as well as awards given by the automotive aftermarket industry.

Ms. Krebs' professional service includes being currently active as an AAIA board member and chairing the 2006-2008 AAIA Marketing & Member Relations Committee. Since 2006 she has been on the CCPN Executive Board and has served on the ACC Board of Governors. Other professional activities include committee service with AASA, the Car Care Council Women's Board and APRC.

Outside the industry she is a mentor for Menttium 100®, a national cross-company educational and mentoring program designed for women to help "leaders in the wings" achieve success and balance their personal and professional lives. She enjoys giving back, sharing her experience and helping women develop their strengths and realize leadership roles in the business community.

With admiration for her significant contributions to education and to her community, Northwood University proudly presents the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award to Pamela A. Krebs.

Roger McCollum
President & CEO
N.A Williams Company
Atlanta, Georgia

Roger McCollum has been involved in the automotive aftermarket for over 35 years dating back to his first job in a local jobber store as a college student. Upon graduation from the University of Akron, Mr. McCollum joined Ken Tool Company where he served in a variety of sales and management positions, advancing to national sales manager.

In July 1984, he joined N.A. Williams and became responsible for the agency's NAPA, Balkamp and CARQUEST accounts. Over the years, he held various management positions within N.A. Williams and has served as the company's president since 1997 and CEO since 2007. During the past decade, he has directed and integrated multiple mergers and acquisitions into N.A. Williams that greatly expanded, diversified and strengthened the company's business.

Mr. McCollum has served on the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Board of Governors, Manufacturers' Advisory Council and Government Affairs Committee. He is currently a member of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) Manufacturers' Representative Council and was recently recognized by AAIA for his support of AAPAC and the association's legislative activities.

An active member of All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, Georgia. Mr. McCollum is involved in several community organizations including the Atlanta United Way, Quality Care for Children, Marist School, Visiting Nurse/Hospice Atlanta and the North Georgia Community Foundation.

Northwood University is pleased to present the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award to Roger McCollum for his prolonged and unwavering support for education.

Gary D. McCoy
President
Fairway Communications
Elgin, Illinois

Gary McCoy has been a leading voice in the automotive aftermarket industry. Since 2000, Mr. McCoy has led Fairway Communications, Inc. as its founder and president. The communications firm produces marketing and public relations plans, writes and distributes news releases to specialty trade and consumer publications, and handles all facets of communications. His 25 years in marketing and communications has created a platform where he has thrived in a niche area such as the automotive aftermarket.

He has been or is affiliated with the Automotive Communications Council, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and the North American Association of Independent Public Relations Agencies. More recently, Mr. McCoy has devoted much time and energy to AAIA, AAPEX and APAA.

He continually gives back to his industry and the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium is one example of Mr. McCoy's dedication to educating youth. Since 1998, he has worked diligently to promote the Symposium as it serves as a catalyst for raising funds for scholarships for students interested in the automotive aftermarket field.

Northwood University is pleased to present the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award to Gary D. McCoy for his dedication and unwavering support for education and his industry.

M. Kathryn Miller
President and Group Publisher
Newport Communications Group
Irvine, California

Kate Miller has devoted her career to excellence in the automotive truck industry as well as the marketing industry. Currently, Ms. Miller serves as the president and group publisher of Newport Communications Group. Newport publishes Heavy Duty Trucking, Heavy Duty Aftermarket Journal and the new RoadStar magazines, as well as the Truckinginfo.com web site.

Ms. Miller's professional affiliations and activities extend to all areas of the trucking industry including membership on the American Trucking Associations' Image Committee and the Truckload Carriers Associations' Image Subcommittee. In addition, she serves on the marketing board for the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week. She is a member of the ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council and serves as American Business Media's Western Regional Governor. Under her leadership, Heavy Duty Trucking won ABM's Grand Neal Award.

Throughout her vast aftermarket profession, Ms. Miller has prided herself on sharing her knowledge with young people. From how to succeed in the industry to focusing time on getting young women involved, she has been a leading advocate for aftermarket education. She helped develop the Trucking Technician Education Program and launched the program using Career Academies and programs for preschool and elementary-aged children to introduce them to the truck industry.

Northwood University salutes M. Kathryn Miller for her contributions to education and to her involvement in educating the future and presents her with the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.

James Tennant
Chief Executive Officer/Co-Owner
Piston Ring Service Supply
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Grassroots business acumen shaped the executive James Tennant has become. In 1953, Mr. Tennant's father opened the first Piston Ring Service automotive shop. Mr. Tennant stepped into the business as a young man and since 1976, with his father and brother, he and the organization have grown to employ over 400 employees owning 26 corporate stores and 16 franchise stores throughout rural Manitoba and northern Ontario. In 1981, after the passing of his father, he became the CEO of Piston Ring.

His passion for quality can be attributed to early lessons learned from his father. Piston Ring Service has made it a priority to be in the community. Mr. Tennant's professional involvements have included the Young Presidents' Organization, the Associates of the Asper School of Business and the Manitoba Business Council. He prefers to participate quietly while helping the organizations by sharing his business expertise.

Mr. Tennant's outreach throughout his significant automotive aftermarket career is commendable. The organization actively sponsors many rural Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario vehicle-based events that benefit local charities. Piston Ring Service also strongly supports the vocational schools' automotive programs by providing access to their facilities and personnel. Their partnership in education is outstanding and representative of the importance of community involvement.

Northwood University is pleased to present the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award to James Tennant for his continuing support and contributions to education and his community.

Douglas R. Washbish
President
Moog Louisville Warehouse, Inc.
Louisville, Kentucky

Douglas Washbish, president and CEO of Moog Louisville Warehouse, Inc., is the second generation to lead the family automotive parts business. He grew up working in the family business while attending the University of Kentucky. The family company is dedicated to the aftermarket industry and its employees.

His professional affiliations have included serving as the chairman of YES and the Membership Committee for the AWDA; he served for two terms as a member of the Board of Governors as board vice-chairman and chairman. Mr. Washbish also serves on the AAIA Board of Directors and is an advisor to the Car Care Professionals Network.

Mr. Washbish's philanthropic generosity is shared quietly. He modestly explains that it is not the recognition he wants but rather to contribute to those organizations in need. In addition to helping his own employees, he is actively engaged with Perry Elementary, an inner city school, providing books, school supplies, winter coats and other necessities. He also dedicates time and resources to the Bellewood Home for battered children. Additionally, Mr. Washbish and his family provide scholarships to aid financially needy Catholic high school students who have lost parents.

Northwood University is pleased to present the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award to Douglas R. Washbish for his continuing support and contributions to education and his community.