Northwood University recently honored the president and CEO of NA Williams, along with six other prominent supporters of learning within the automotive aftermarket, during its annual Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards luncheon in Las Vegas, Nevada.
With over 29 years of experience in the aftermarket, Chris Williams is considered one of the most trusted and innovative leaders in the automotive aftermarket. He currently serves as president and CEO of NA Williams Company, a leading manufacturers’ representative firm in the industry.
Over the years, Williams has held management roles of increasing responsibility before advancing to president in 2017 and adding the title of CEO in 2022. His experience in managing traditional and retail national accounts has helped NA Williams diversify and excel in both market segments. In addition to leading the organization and providing management and sales support for the NA Williams team members and manufacturers, Williams facilitated the development of the company’s Southwest and West Coast divisions and its call center platform, Datalink Services.
An active member of the industry, Williams currently serves as director of the International Trade Committee and was a member of the Manufacturer’s Representative Committee from 2014-2020. He also supports the Auto Care Association Political Action Committee (ACPAC) and serves as a trustee of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
For his dedication to the aftermarket industry, Northwood University was pleased to name Williams among this year’s Class of Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award honorees.
“We appreciate our university’s special relationship with the aftermarket industry,” said President Kent MacDonald during the luncheon. “The future is bright for Northwood students, as we have implemented a strategic plan for growth in all programs with a focus on automotive and the automotive aftermarket. We are exceedingly grateful for industry leaders who continue to support and shape our students through internships and experiential learning.”
Since 1975, Northwood has honored aftermarket leaders for their significant efforts to further the cause of education for business and society. The Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award honorees, past and present, comprise a “who’s who” of this industry.
This year’s other honorees include:
Randy Buller, CEO, Parts Authority, New Hyde Park, New York
Michael C. Buzzard, of Dallas, Texas, managing partner, Schwartz Advisors (headquartered in La Jolla, California)
Arthur “Bo” Fisher III, CEO/owner, Fisher Auto Parts, Staunton, Virginia
Dr. Donald R. James, CEO, Solero Technologies, Rochester Hills
Brian B. Norko, senior vice president, commercial business operations, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs), Wixom, Michigan
Aaron M. Shaffer, director of marketing services, Standard Motor Products, Long Island City, New York.
The Automotive Aftermarket Management Awards were developed in partnership with the Auto Care Association, Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association, Motor & Equipment Manufacturer’s Association and Northwood University. The awards luncheon was held during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nevada. AAPEX is one of the leading international meetings for the global automotive aftermarket industry.
Northwood students enrolled in the Automotive Aftermarket Management program — which is the only four-year degree program of its kind in the nation — presented the awards to the honorees.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to gather today to recognize and celebrate the successes of these professionals who are being honored by Northwood University for making a difference in the lives of many in their communities and in the aftermarket industry,” stated Northwood student Owen Hayes, of Whitehall, Michigan.
