BETHESDA, Md. –  Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), has been selected to receive the 2009 Women Who Advance Excellence in Associations Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Center for Association Leadership’s Greater Washington Network.

The awards program recognizes women association executives based in the greater Washington, D.C., region who have set the standard of excellence in their professional lives through leadership, mentoring and career advancement and made a significant impact on the local association community.

"Kathleen’s commitment to association management and mentoring has left an indelible mark on our community through numerous examples of leadership and professional excellence," said ASAE & the Center President and CEO John Graham, IV, CAE. "Our community depends on the help of leaders like Kathleen and we are honored to recognize her with this important achievement."