PROSSER, Wash. — The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) elected its 2011-12 board of directors during the society’s annual meeting held earlier this month at the Crowne Plaza Meadowlands in Secaucus, N.J.

SCRS says a hallmark of its board, and historically a key to its effectiveness, is its blend of experience and vision. The composition of SCRS makes this inevitable: repairers with roots going back to the first days of the society co-mingle with emerging business owners attuned to the challenges of the future, SCRS points out.

Outgoing chairman Barry Dorn (Virginia) is representative of the dual sides of SCRS’ composition. He was an emerging leader nearly 10 years ago when he joined, and is now a seasoned industry veteran, thankful for all he has learned from SCRS membership and his experiences within the association.

"SCRS is the most giving group of people with whom I have ever worked," Dorn said. "They have always been there to help me, but never more so than in the last two years — which was an eventful and exciting term. I am honored and humbled that in my time as chairman, SCRS has strengthened its position to accomplish what is necessary for our members. Our growth and strength reflects the character and focus of our members. The outlook is bright."

Dorn will continue on in the capacity of immediate past chairman, while Aaron Clark (Indiana) takes over the duties of chairman. He anticipates playing a continued role in helping generate positive changes for the industry.

"It is a distinct honor for me to serve SCRS as its chairman," Clark stated during the open board meeting following the annual election. "I am surrounded by a tremendous board, and we are committed to continuing to accomplish the goals we have set as an organization. I look forward to serving and maintaining the momentum the association has developed in recent years."

Incumbents Ron Reichen (Oregon) and Andy Dingman (Nebraska) return to serve another term on the SCRS board of directors, both stepping up to new roles on the executive committee. Reichen transitions from his duties as secretary to become vice-chairman, while Dingman moves from the treasurer’s seat to take over the duties as secretary. Rounding out the executive positions are: Luis Alonso (California), who is assuming the office of treasurer, and Stephen Regan (Massachusetts), will serve a second term as director at large.

The balance of SCRS’ board include national directors Rodes Brown (Virginia), Joe Skurka (Michigan), Bruce Halcro (Montana), Paul Val (Arizona), and newly elected Dusty Womble (Texas) and Brett Bailey (Missouri).

Womble and Bailey are both new additions to a very short list of second-generation SCRS board members. Dusty is the son of Rex Womble, who played an integral part in the development of SCRS when it was first emerged as part of the industry’s national scene, serving as chairman from 1987-1988. Brett is the son of past executive committee member Dan Bailey, and nephew of Bill Bailey, who served as chairman of the society from 1997-1998.

"Our shop does business not more than 500 yards from where SCRS first came together — I guess you could say the Society is in my blood," said Brett Bailey. "Growing up I saw my dad and my uncle consistently do the right thing by the collision repair industry through SCRS, and I am greatly moved to be in a place where I can carry on their good work. I am grateful to my peers who are giving me this opportunity, and I’ll do my best to live up to the principles my dad and uncle taught me."

Dusty Womble shares similar sentiments. "My dad was with SCRS at the beginning, and the legacy of SCRS is prominent in my family’s history," he said. "He knew SCRS was a necessity for the betterment of the industry. He taught me that if there is something wrong with a system, you need to address it, bring the issues to light and change the system for the better. SCRS continues to be a catalyst for that kind of positive change, perhaps now more than ever."

This open board meeting in New Jersey completed the terms of service for Toby Chess (California) and Dale Matsumoto (Hawaii).

"Serving as a national director for SCRS was a tremendous experience that I will never forget," commented Matsumoto. "I have learned much from being a part of this organization but the highlight of my service is the incredible people I served with on the board. Collectively, they are one of the most passionate groups of industry leaders I have ever met. I am sure the new members will reinforce the focus of their seasoned counterparts and strengthen the future of SCRS and the industry."