DIAMOND BAR, CA — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the results of the 2005 board of director’s elections. Jim Cozzie was voted incoming chair-elect; Richard Sherman, Doug Evans, Craig Chatt and Anne K. Johnson won seats on the 24-member board.
“SEMA’s annual elections are an opportunity for member companies to play a role in our industry’s future,” said Christopher Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We appreciate all of our candidates’ willingness to serve and we congratulate those who prevailed this year.”
SEMA will install the new leadership at the SEMA Installation Banquet, July 29, 2005 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Cozzie is an avid motorsports enthusiast who has been involved in the automotive specialty equipment industry for nearly 30 years. He has generously dedicated his time to serve on numerous SEMA and industry committees and councils and is currently the SEMA Show Chair. Cozzie was named SEMA’s “Person of the Year” in 2004.
Sherman, executive sales director, Baer Brakes, has extensive SEMA/aftermarket experience. He is a valuable member of several SEMA committees and councils, including the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) and the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), of which he is the current chair emeritus.
Evans, senior vice president group publisher, Primedia, has 25 years of dedication to the industry. He has also served three consecutive terms on the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Select Council.
Chatt, director of brand management, Lund International, has served the specialty automotive aftermarket since 1984. He was a board member on the Truck Cap and Accessory Alliance (now known as the LTAA) from 1997-2000.
Johnson, co-owner of California Truck Works, Inc. and Off Road West, Inc., has been a dedicated SEMA member since 1996. She has served on multiple SEMA councils, holding the positions of vice-chairman and chairman of the LTAA. In 2005, she was the recipient of the PRO “Truck Accessory Specialist of the Year” Award.
Five members of the manufacturers segment of the SEMA board of directors were re-elected to their positions this year. These leaders are: Paul “Scooter” Brothers, Competition Cams, Inc.; Joel Ayres, Leer (a division of Truck Accessories Group); Dennis Overholser, Painless Wiring; Robert West, Westin Automotive Products and Dennis Gage, Bradley David Productions and host of the TV show My Classic Car.
Chuck Lombardo, California Street Rods, Inc., Anne Thomas Graves, SECO Performance Centers and Bob Price, Reliable Automotive were all re-elected to the distributor/retailer category. Bill Perry from Bill Perry and Associates was re-elected to the manufacturer’s representative category of the board.
Members who were not up for re-election this year and continue to serve on the board, are: Ralph Accinno, Racers Equipment Warehouse, Inc.; Matt Agosta, Steele Rubber Products; Kathy Bybee Hartzell, duPontREGISTRY.com; Dick Hill, Centerforce Clutches; Patrick Judge, Keystone Automotive Operations; Rick Rollins, Superchips, Inc.; Russell Stephens, MSD Ignition; Steve Swanson, Foster Babcock and Associates and John Wyly, Arrow Speed Warehouse.
The upcoming Installation Banquet marks the beginning of Mitch Williams’ term as SEMA chairman. Williams won the chair-elect position in 2003.
“I would like to welcome and congratulate the new SEMA board members and chairman-elect and I am very excited about the opportunity to work with them on SEMA issues,” said Williams.
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