TEQUESTA, Fla. – Robert "Bob" Hirsch, president of the Aftermarket Foundation, has announced the appointment of William J. "Bill" Long, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) to its board.
“On behalf of the entire board, I am very pleased to welcome Bill to the board of the Foundation,” Hirsch said. “Bill’s rich industry background and credentials will further strengthen our board and broaden its reach within our industry sector, and we thank him for his willingness to serve for the common good of the less fortunate in our industry."
Having joined the association as executive vice president in May 2012, Long assumed the role of president and COO of AASA in late 2012, from his previous role as president of Long Strategies LLC and managing partner, BC Partners LLC. Long’s previous experience spans several decades in the aftermarket, including time spent as executive vice president of North American operations at Proliance International and a 25-year career with Echlin/Dana in several executive leadership roles directing the company’s BWD Automotive, Borg-Warner, Napa Echlin, Ristance, Auto-Tune, Hurst Shifter, Mr. Gasket and Beck/Arnley WorldParts businesses. His career also includes senior leadership roles in the motorsports industry having served as vice president of marketing for the IndyCar Series headquartered at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and vice president and corporate officer of NASCAR’s Weekly Racing and Touring Series
Long has been recognized for his industry contributions with a number of awards, including the prestigious MEMA Triangle award (1999); Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award (2000), recognizing both his work with federal lawmakers and technical experts on issues concerning the Clean Air Act and on-board auto diagnostics; and the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award in 2001 for his contribution and dedication to the motorsports industry. Long also served in 2002 as the chairman of the National Car Care Council.
Pointing out that the motto of the foundation is, "We take care of our own," Hirsch added, “Bill has demonstrated tremendous capability and achievement in his career to date, and we know that the foundation will benefit from his skill and commitment, as we continue ‘taking care of our own’.”
Since 1959, the Aftermarket Foundation has assisted individuals and families of the automotive aftermarket Industry who have fallen on hard times due to an unexpected death, catastrophic injury, serious illness, or financial hardship. Board members are called upon to assist in the fundraising efforts of the Foundation, and also to assist in the identification of those in need.
In addition to his general board duties, Long also will be working on the Foundation’s Recipient Review Committee and its Marketing & Communications Committee.
Marketing Committee Chair Terence O’Reilly said, “Bill’s extensive background and expertise in marketing and communications is a welcome addition to our committee, and will help us refine our Awareness Program and further extend the reach of the Aftermarket Foundation to those in need. We are very fortunate indeed, to have someone of Bill’s caliber join in active duty on the committee, and look forward to the benefits his contributions will make.”
