LEESBURG, Va. – National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) President Bill Kersten has announced plans for his retirement, effective March 2012. 
“My time with both ASE and NATEF has been the capstone of a wonderful career,” said Kersten, “But there comes a time for us all when it’s appropriate to step aside and let others continue the work we’ve begun.”
He will remain as NATEF president until next March to complete current projects and assist in the transition to Trish Serratore, who has been named his successor.
“As the senior vice president at ASE, Trish has experience with the entire organization and is particularly well-suited to assume Bill’s role when he retires in 2012,” said Tim Zilke, NATEF CEO and ASE President and CEO. “Bill and Trish will be working together over the coming months to assure a smooth transition within NATEF and ASE. We’re grateful for Bill’s outstanding contributions to both ASE and NATEF and look forward to working together a bit longer as he approaches his selected retirement date.”
Kersten has been the president of NATEF since 2006. He joined ASE in 1979 and served as senior VP of operations until 1987. Prior to joining ASE, he was a teacher, football coach and wrestling coach for 12 years at Westhill Central High School in Syracuse, N.Y., followed by two years as an associate professor in the Automotive Technology Department at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
Serratore has been with ASE since 1988, and was named senior VP in 2007. She brings a depth of industry experience to NATEF and will be working closely with all of the organizations within the ASE Industry/Education initiative, which includes NATEF, Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES), the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) and the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT). She also will continue some industry relations activities on behalf of ASE.
“Following in Bill’s footsteps is a tall order,” said Serratore, “But I’m looking forward to the challenge and continuing the work to provide the qualified technicians we’ll need now and in the future.”
