The Executive Board of Directors of the Florida Autobody Collision Alliance (FACA) announced that it has appointed Cathy Mills as its first executive director. Mills assumed the responsibilities of the position on Jan. 1.
Dave McBroom, president of the FACA State Executive Board, made the announcement.
“The FACA executive board of directors, after a long thorough search, are pleased to announce the selection of Cathy Mills as the first full-time executive director. Cathy’s extensive experience in the collision industry makes her a perfect candidate for the position…Her background as a multi shop manager, administrator and trainer will give FACA the shot in the arm we need to move on to the next level.”
“It is such a privilege to have this opportunity to be the first executive director of FACA,” Mills said. “I am both honored and flattered to serve on behalf of all of Florida’s collision repairers and our affiliate members. Working side by side with our board of directors, I believe that we all have the passion to do our best to achieve so much for our industry. With all our members and affiliates working together and doing the right things for the right reasons, we can make a difference. I am so looking forward to this journey.”
Mills started her career in the collision industry over 25 years as manager of a dealership body shop in Jacksonville, Fla. In 1991, she had the opportunity to work with Randy Waldron, owner of Jacksonville Collision Centers, before they were sold to Sterling Autobody. Mills, who was promoted to the Florida regional team, did all the office training for the new Florida Sterling shops with Waldron. She describes him as a true visionary in the industry, her mentor and a great friend. She stayed with Sterling for 15 years developing training procedures.
“For two-and-a-half years, FACA’s executive board of directors and the six chapter boards have all given as much time as possible to the FACA and still try to find time to run their respective shops. At the end of every day I feel that I have fallen short in representing FACA’s members and affiliates,” McBroom said. “Having Cathy onboard full-time daily to provide the day to day tasks of coordinating between our chapters will be a huge plus for us. I want to personally thank my board members for their support in this selection process, thanks to our sponsor affiliates who have contributed financially, and a special thanks to Aaron Schulenburg of SCRS and Jordon Hendler of WMABA for their guidance through the process.”
