The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) has announced the recently elected board of trustees officers for 2010-2011:
Tony Passwater, Chair
Tony Passwater, president of AEII, has worked in the collision industry since 1972. He comes from a third generation family in the collision repair business. During his involvement, he has worked and managed his family owned collision repair shop, owned and operated an automotive paint jobber store, been an I-CAR local, regional, national and international master trainer, and a secondary vocational instructor. He is actively involved in many associations and industry groups including: Automotive Service Association (ASA), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), Collision Industry Conference (CIC), American Society of Quality (ASQ), I-CAR, International Consulting Network (ICN) and Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA).
Tim McDonnell, Vice Chair
Tim McDonnell, national training manager, Mitchell1, began his automotive career in Southern California auto recycling yards in 1978. His Mitchell1 career began in 1985 as a technical editor, researching and creating parts interchange for the auto recycling industry. In 1989, he became the first representative for the newly created On-Demand electronic repair information product. From 1991-1995, he served as technical editor and team leader with AutoInfo, a provider of electronic parts interchange information to auto recyclers and the collision industry. In 1996, Tim returned to Mitchell1 and began supporting the newly created Series 1/11 shop management software, which is known today as Manager/Manager Plus. In 2004, Tim became the national training manager for Mitchell1 reps, new hires and customers. Tim contributes regularly to Mitchell1’s websites, providing moderation for the RepHelp.com discussion forum and the Shop Management Users Forum for customers. He lends his voice and audio engineering expertise to the training videos included with all Mitchell1 electronic products. He now hosts Performance Center webinars and is the main developer on the training content.
Bob Keith, Treasurer
Bob Keith, senior director of education and training for CARSTAR, has 30 years of industry experience and is co-owner of three collision shops in Nebraska and three in Kansas. Bob maintains his ASE Master Certification, is an I-CAR Platinum Individual, and has an Advanced Safety Certificate from the National Safety Council. He serves on the international board of directors of I-CAR and is currently serving on the executive committee as Treasurer. Bob is a member of the Structural Repair Committee for the national SKILLS USA competition and is a regular participant in ASE question writing sessions.
Freda Thompson, Secretary
Freda Thompson, co-owner of ACE Auto Body, Hartselle, Ala., has more than 20 years of industry experience. She is actively involved in many associations and industry groups including: Alabama Collision Repairers’ Association (ACRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA) and North Alabama Committee for I-CAR. She has served in several leadership positions and received recognition awards for her contributions. When not working in the family business, she contributes her time to various community organizations including Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, Hartselle Kiwanis Club and Hartselle Beautiful Association.
AMI Executive Director Toni Slaton, AAM, stated, "These industry professionals give of their time and expertise and provide essential direction and leadership to AMI. I’m pleased to be working with such an enthusiastic and dedicated group of industry leaders and greatly appreciate their willingness to serve."
Other board members include Sheri Hamilton, AAM, ASA-Missouri/Kansas, Overland Park, Kan., and Ron Pyle, Automotive Service Association, Bedford, Texas.
The members of AMI’s board of trustees represent both mechanical and collision repair shops of varying sizes and industry associations and companies. Members of the 2010-2011 board of trustees were announced during the AMI Board of Trustees meeting held April 21 in Dallas.
More information:
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