The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) introduced the group’s newest officers and governors during its 2015 Annual Business and Education Conference last week in Las Vegas.

Taking office immediately following the close of AAPEX on Nov. 3 is AWDA’s new chairman, Cliff Hovis, president, Hovis Auto and Truck Supply Inc., based in Mercer, Pennsylvania. Hovis succeeds Corey Bartlett of Automotive Parts Headquarters, St. Cloud, Minnesota, who led the association through the previous 12 months and remains on the council as immediate past chairman.

Joining Hovis as AWDA’s new 2015-‘16 officers are Vice Chairman, Bobby Segal, Automotive Supply Associates, Concord, New Hampshire; and entering the chairs as secretary will be Don Bickle, Warehouse Inc., Hays, Kansas; Richard Beirne, Automotive Parts Headquarters, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, retains his position as AWDA treasurer.

“These new officers join a long and distinguished line of great leaders that have come through the AWDA chairs. Their commitment to the industry is inspiring and it’s truly an honor to work with them,” said Larry Northup, executive director, AWDA.

Also joining the AWDA Council of Governors during AAPEX are:

• Fletcher Lord III, Replacement Parts Inc./Parts Warehouse, Little Rock, Arkansas

• Russell Mastroff, Cold Air Distributors Warehouse, Fort Pierce, Florida

• Ryan Samuel, Samuels Inc./Buy Wise Auto Parts, Vauxhall, New Jersey

• Brent Windom, Auto Plus, Kennesaw, Georgia

AWDA’s nominating committee insists that, if asked, any incoming governor must be qualified to serve as chairman. The result of this long-standing policy is a consistent supply of high-quality council members who are interested, engaged and committed to traditional distribution, the auto care industry and the association.

In the coming year, AWDA will work with the Auto Care Association to support multiple projects designed to enhance the position of traditional distribution in the aftermarket. These will include: support for the Auto Care Association’s telematics-related actions, promotion of jobs and careers – along with training and education – within the traditional distribution sector and the continued expansion and refinement of technology standards that impact all supply chain partners.