Paul McCarthy, president and COO, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), was awarded the 2020 Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA). AASA is the automotive aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The award, presented during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 16, 2020, is perceived as the automotive aftermarket industry’s highest honor. Given annually to professionals who exhibit outstanding leadership in advancing the aftermarket, this year’s award was also presented to Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. McCarthy and Hanvey were recognized for their collective leadership and collaboration on behalf of all aftermarket stakeholders.
“I am extremely proud of Paul and Bill for their leadership and what they can accomplish through continued cooperation and collaboration,” said MEMA President and CEO Bill Long. “The automotive aftermarket is a significant contributor to the entire vehicle supplier industry, and the work Paul and Bill have done to advance the interests of the aftermarket has been significant and meaningful. In particular, I applaud Paul, who serves as one of the aftermarket industry’s top thought-leaders and strategists, for his ability to provide a path forward for vehicle parts manufacturers. His hard work and dedication show every day, and we congratulate him for this award.”
The annual Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer recognizes an individual, employed in the aftermarket, who over the past several years, has made a unique and monumental contribution to the industry and/or AWDA. The accomplishment that warrants this award must go well above and beyond any routine or day-to-day activity and shall be reflective of a commitment to the industry that few individuals can match. The award is named in honor of the late Jack Creamer, former president of AWDA. Creamer, who received the award in 2000, began his aftermarket career in 1963 as a salesman for Wheels Inc., an automotive and marine parts distributor. He eventually worked his way to company president. While serving AWDA, Creamer was responsible for the development and execution of an extensive industry education program. In 1995, he was named president of AWDA. Over the course of his storied career, Creamer made significant contributions to the automotive aftermarket. He continues to be regarded as an icon in the industry.
Additional information about the Outstanding Leadership Award can be found via this link.
About MEMA
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association is a leading international trade association in the fast-changing mobility industry. Representing vehicle suppliers that manufacture and remanufacture components, technologies, and systems for use in passenger cars and heavy trucks, MEMA’s member companies are the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Learn more at MEMA.org.
About AASA
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) connects suppliers of aftermarket parts, chemicals, tools, diagnostics, and technologies to what matters – including industry analysis, peer forums, customer and technology trends, global insights, and government advocacy. Learn more about how AASA connects members to what matters at AftermarketSuppliers.org.
