Mighty Auto Parts announced the addition of two experienced professionals to its leadership team with director-level positions, further strengthening its commitment to growth and exceptional service in the automotive aftermarket industry, the company says.

Lamar Russo has been named new director of franchise development, and Tina Thomas was appointed director of training.

With over 30 years of invaluable experience, Russo brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the franchise landscape to his new role, Mighty Auto Parts said. Prior to joining Mighty, Lamar’s career spanned tenures at Coca-Cola, GreatAmerica Leasing Corp, and Reynolds and Reynolds, and other organizations. Most recently, he served as VP of National Accounts with a prominent digital marketing firm specializing in franchise solutions.

Thomas’s new role underscores Mighty’s commitment to enhancing its training programs, the company said. She boasts more than 20 years of experience in training and learning development, with a strong background in customizing training programs and evaluating their effectiveness. Prior to joining Mighty, she served as the director of training and development at US Auto Sales and spent 19 years at National Vision, where she led teams responsible for onboarding numerous new locations annually.

“Lamar’s extensive experience in sales and marketing, and his proven track record of building strong relationships with franchisees makes him a valuable asset to Mighty,” said Josh D’Agostino, president and CEO of Mighty Auto Parts. “We’ve known Lamar for much of his career and are fortunate to have him lead our Franchise Development efforts.”

“Tina will elevate our training programs across all departments,” added D’Agostino. “Her expertise in learning management systems and adult learning models will ensure our franchisees receive the highest quality training and support.”