CHICAGO – Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts, has been named to the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Board of Directors.
With oversight of the business end of the organization, the GAAS board of directors ensures continuity and financial security of the annual industry education event. In addition, the GAAS Program Committee develops the annual agenda for the event, the Attendance Promotion Committee looks for ways to promote attendance, and the Scholarship Committee oversees the annual selection of scholarship recipients.
The newest member of the GAAS Board, Bishop began his career in the automotive aftermarket 40 years ago when he joined Fisher Auto Parts, where he held a number of positions in warehouse and jobber store management and also served as a director of the company. In 1985, Bishop co-founded Federated Auto Parts Distributors, a program marketing group for major warehouse distributors. Through the years, Bishop’s leadership has allowed Staunton, Va.-based Federated to grow to become one of the leading program groups in the industry.
"Rusty is one of the outstanding leaders of our industry and has always been willing to do whatever he can to help this industry, as a volunteer leader," said Dave Caracci, GAAS chairman. "We are thrilled to have him join our board and provide his expertise from both the WD and program distribution group perspective."
Bishop’s long history of service to the automotive aftermarket includes: the board of directors of ASIA 1991-1993; AWDA membership and marketing committee chairman 1999-2002; AWDA board of governors 2000-2003 and 2005-present. Bishop serves as chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation board of trustees and has also served several years on AWDA’s annual business conference task force.
In 2006, Bishop was named secretary of AWDA. After advancing to the position of vice chairman, he served as chairman of AWDA until November 2009. He currently is a member of the AAIA board of directors.
Northwood University presented Bishop with its Annual Automotive Aftermarket Management Educational Award in 2008. He earned AWDA’s Pursuit of Excellence Award in 2009 and AAIA’s Aftermarket Advocate Award in 2010.
GAAS 2011 will be held May 18-19 in Rosemont, Ill. at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and will focus on the theme “Aftermarket Fast Forward: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead.” For more information on GAAS 2011, visit www.globalsymposium.org. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com.
