LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – Daren Fristoe, president and COO of the Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), announced late last week that Charles Ayers of Midas International Corp. has accepted the position of president and CEO of CCAR, effective Jan. 1. Fristoe had been actively seeking a replacement for some time, with his search focused on candidates with an extensive background in the automotive service industry. Fristoe will remain with CCAR as its executive director and COO.
Established in 1994, CCAR is a not-for-profit organization that works internationally with the automotive industry, the insurance industry, OEM’s, career and technical schools, collision and automotive repair shops, governments, municipalities and other organizations to provide best practice information and training and to measure improvements related to: pollution prevention (P2) and safety for all who repair or maintain vehicles as a profession, as well as those who work in related businesses.
Ayers currently serves as CCAR’s board chairman. He comes to CCAR after 24 years with Midas.
“While searching the industry for a qualified candidate, it occurred to me that we had a more than qualified candidate in Chairman Ayers,” said Fristoe. “Sometimes you look far afield, only to find your best choice is close at hand.”
When asked about the working relationship between Daren Fristoe and himself, Ayers said, “The work undertaken by Daren on behalf of CCAR these past four years has proven to be some of the most successful years in the history of the organization. His will be big shoes to fill, and I did not accept this role without realizing Daren’s contribution will be a tough act to follow. I’m really glad he has agreed to remain as my executive director and COO so that we may continue to guide the organization to even greater heights together.
“Thanks to Daren, CCAR has grown into a financially stable, technologically advanced, socially responsible, not-for-profit organization,” said Ayers. “As we continue to expand CCAR’s reach into under-leveraged industry segments, we expect to see additional growth and an even stronger organization.”
“Charlie Ayers is a perfect fit for this role,” added Fristoe. “With decades of experience in the automotive industry and a vast network of colleagues who trust and respect him, he is someone who believes in the philosophy and mission of CCAR. Having somebody like Charlie at the helm of CCAR makes me feel very comfortable.”
CCAR currently serves hundreds of affiliates, thousand of users worldwide and sees millions of tests administered each year. In this past fiscal year alone, which ended in September, CCAR saw in excess of 4 million tests passed.
