Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast Chairman of the Board Jarrett Liles has announced the expansion of the AAAS staff to provide greater focus on governmental relations. In September, the board voted unanimously to fund a new staff position in order for the association to better provide crucial legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of its members and the industry.
The director of government relations and field services position will devote time and energy to lobbying activities for AAAS on a state and national level, as well as strengthen the association’s Political Action Committee. On Dec. 1, Matt Ward joined the AAAS staff to fill this important position.
Chairman Liles stated, “We are proud to have Matt Ward join the AAAS Staff. I am confident that he will work well with our membership and other aftermarket organizations to make sure lawmakers hear our voices and are aware of how legislation and policies affect the aftermarket industry. We look forward to seeing Matt in action at the Capitol Days events planned in all four of our service area state capitols: Montgomery, Atlanta, Tallahassee and Jackson early in 2017.”
An Auburn University graduate, Ward comes to AAAS from the Alabama Retired State Employees’ Association (ARSEA). While with ARSEA, Ward served as the local government coordinator, where his efforts focused on protecting and improving retirement benefits for municipalities and counties participating in the retirement systems of Alabama. Ward worked closely with the ARSEA PAC, assisting in fundraising and strategic contribution of funds in statewide, municipal and county races. He was instrumental in helping grow the membership of ARSEA during his time there. Ward is no stranger to the automotive aftermarket and has previously served as an intern at AAAS working on membership growth.
“I am really excited to join the AAAS staff. My goal is to hit the ground running to help grow and improve what is already a fantastic association. We will increase our presence in the state capitols and we will build and expand participation in the AAAS Political Action Committee. AAAS has tremendous volunteers and a talented staff that have achieved so much already. We face many challenges ahead, but the future is bright and I am very happy to be a part of this remarkable team,” said Ward.
