The 2009 board, which initially convened in January at the NABC annual planning session and golf fundraiser, is a distinctive collection of experienced industry professionals. George Avery of State Farm Insurance Company assumes the leadership role of president, a landmark in that it is the first time an insurer has served in that capacity.

If it seems surprising that an insurance company representative is heading up a group focused on improving collision industry image, it makes fundamental sense from an organizational perspective. "Repairers are the heart of the collision repair industry,” Avery explains, “but the greater collision industry employs all types of folks who are a vital part of the process—insurers, paint suppliers, parts vendors, and others. We all share the same customer as part of the same industry; we have a collective stake in cleaning up our image."

Avery replaces Russell Thrall III of CollisionWeek who moves on to the office of past president. Former CIC Chairman Stacy Bartnik takes over as vice president, Avery's former position, Karen Fierst, of KerenOr Consultants, will serve another term as treasurer and Janet Chaney was re-elected as secretary. In addition, the office of director-at-large—a position voted on by the other NABC directors to help support the executive committee—will be filled by Michael Quinn of 911 Collision Centers.

Re-elected board members include Avery, Bartnik, Chaney, Fierst, and John Lypen. New board members include Fred Iantorno and Mary Lou Silveira of Greenleaf Auto Recyclers. Rick Jazwin of the Universal Technical Institute, Inc. was re-elected, but unfortunately had to resign shortly thereafter. An appointment will be made in the near future to fill that position.

Over the course of the past year several board members have departed NABC and their leadership as well as their efforts on behalf of the industry will be missed. Aaron Schulenberg, now the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ executive director, did not seek re-election. Dan Risley resigned several months earlier, and his seat had been filled by Nick Notte from Sterling Auto Body Centers.

The balance of this year’s board has been consistently active in various NABC and industry committees. They are looking forward to a productive year. Companies that are part of the board include DuPont Performance Coatings, represented by Bruce Cooley; Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, represented by Brandon Devis; Autowatch, represented by Dave Henderson; CARSTAR, Inc., represented by Bob Keith; and Precision Body & Paint, represented by Ron Reichen. Individual board members include John Bosin, Bill Garoutte, David Merrell, and Margo Smith.

“The composition of this year’s board is impressive as are the opportunities for NABC to be of even greater benefit to the industry,” says Executive Director Chuck Sulkala. “A larger number of challenges may face us this year, but I’m convinced our assembled leadership can carry us forward to achieve the highest possible goals. It’s an exciting time to be part of NABC.”

NABC meetings are always open to members and others that may be interested in building the positive image of the collision industry. Please note that this year’s annual planning session has been moved to be held in conjunction with the I-CAR 30th Annual Industry Conference, July 28 – 31, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. For further information about attending or participating in NABC as it strives to transform the image of the industry “one consumer at a time,” please call the number or visit the Web site as listed below.

Please contact NABC directly for membership information. Call 1-888-667-7433 (888-66PRIDE) or go to www.autobodycouncil.org.