Collision Repair Education Foundation announces appointment of 2012 Executive Committee

The Collision Repair Education Foundation has announced its 2012 Executive Committee. The Education Foundation is honored to have the following representatives on the Executive Committee:

• Chairman: Chris Northup (General Distribution Consultants)
• Vice Chairman: Terry Fortner (LKQ Corporation)
• Secretary: Joseph Allen (CCC Information Services Inc.)
• Treasurer: Rick Tuuri (Audatex, a Solera Company)
• Member-At-Large:Tim O'Day (Gerber Collision & Glass)
• Member-At-Large: Nick Notte (Sterling Auto Body Centers)
• Immediate Past Chairman: Doug Webb (CSi Complete)

In addition to the Executive Committee, the Foundation Board of Trustees consists of: Tim Adelmann – ABRA Autobody & Glass; Terry Angell – Warren Tech; Guy Bargnes – Painters Supply and Equipment; Stacy Bartnik – CARSTAR; Domenic Brusco – PPG Industries Inc.; Russ Hoffbauer – State Farm Insurance Companies; Mary Knapp – Dennis Technical Education Center; Scott Kohl – Safeco Insurance; Geralynn Kottschade – Jerry's Body Shop; John Saia – Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.; and John Ward – Enterprise Holdings.

Trustee Emeriti consist of: J. Laurence Costin – CCC Information Services Inc.; Lirel G. Holt; Frank D. McGiboney; Chuck S. Sulkala – Acme Body and Paint, Inc.; and the late Russell Verona – East Rockford Collision Center. Chairmen Emeriti consist of: Chris Evans – State Farm Insurance Companies and Clark Plucinski – True2Form Collision Repair Centers.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation has also announced the appointment of Russ Hoffbauer, State Farm Insurance Companies, to its Board of Trustees. Russ brings over 25 years of industry experience and has held various leadership roles within State Farm. He is also currently President of the Board of Directors of SkillsUSA.

Chairman Northup noted, "The Collision Repair Education Foundation is fortunate to have Mr. Hoffbauer join our group of highly qualified existing Trustees, who all share in the vision and mission of adding more qualified young people to the industry of collision repair. I invite those within the industry to join our efforts in helping to enhance the educational opportunities of secondary and post-secondary collision school programs and their students."