BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – Jody DeVere, founder and CEO of AskPatty.com, will receive the Women’s Automotive Association International Distinguished Service Award. The award will be presented during the 14th Annual WAAI Spirit of Leadership Awards Reception slated for Saturday, Feb. 9 at The Peabody in Orlando, Fla.
DeVere founded AskPatty.com in 1999 as a social media site to provide expert advice to women on automotive-related topics and to teach strategies to enhance women’s experiences in dealing with automotive-related businesses through the AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly program. Currently, more than 7,000 individuals employed in auto dealerships as well as tire, collision and repair centers hold AskPatty certification credentials. A long-time member of the WAAI board of directors, who previously served as chairman, DeVere currently holds the position of vice chairman and treasurer. She also is a member of the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board, the California State Advisory Board for SkillsUSA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.
“Jody has worked tirelessly and energetically on behalf of our association for many years,” stated Lorraine Schultz, WAAI founder and CEO. “Her enthusiasm and dedication have been a guiding light, and we are privileged to recognize her exemplary service.”
WAAI also will present Spirit of Leadership awards to four prominent industry women. Honorees include Joy Libert-Gelb, president of Yonkers Motors, Yonkers, N.Y.; Barbara Pilarski, VP of business development for Chrysler Group; Margery Krevsky, founder and CEO of Productions Plus-The Talent Shop; and Andra Rush, CEO of Rush Trucking.
“It is an honor and very humbling to be recognized along with such distinguished and accomplished women,” said DeVere. “My work with WAAI has always been a labor of love, and I am grateful to receive this award from my peers.”
Founded in 1995, WAAI centers its efforts on recognizing the achievements of women in the automotive industry, providing networking and relationship-building opportunities, and encouraging growth through mentoring, educational endeavors and scholarships.
For information on the awards visit the WAAI website, www.waai.com.
