BETHESDA, Md. (Dec. 20, 2013) — J. Richard Fairbanks, president and owner of Orleans Auto Supply in Hyannis, Mass., was named chairman of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) in November at the association's Annual Business and Education Conference in Las Vegas in November.
Mr. Fairbanks, a resident of Centerville, Mass., previously served for several years on the AWDA Board of Governors, AWDA said, including a recent term as vice chairman. In 1997, he was appointed to the AAIA Automotive Committee and served as co-chair in 1998 and was appointed to the Executive Committee of the AAIA Board of Directors the following year.
Mr. Fairbanks' involvement in his community includes service as chairman of the board of directors of the Cape & Islands United Way, AWDA said, and he was a member of the board of corporators of Cape Cod Hospital and the board of directors of Cape Head Injured Person's Group.
He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned his bachelor's degree in economics, and he holds an MBA from Northeastern University.
“I have spent the better part of my career in the auto care industry and am truly honored to serve as chairman of AWDA,” said Mr. Fairbanks. “AWDA is unique within this vibrant, necessary and tremendously significant industry. We are the place that brings together the owners and senior managers of North American distribution. Our industry positively impacts the lives of millions worldwide and I hope my service will in some way contribute to my industry's success.”
Other newly elected officers include Corey Bartlett, Automotive Parts Headquarters, St. Cloud, Minn., as vice chairman, and Cifford Hovis, Hovis Auto Supply, Mercer, Pa., as secretary. Richard Beirne, United Auto Supply, LaCross, Wis., retains his position as treasurer.
Also joining the AWDA Council of Governors are: Mauro Cifelli, Vast-Auto Distribution Ltd, Montreal, Quebec; Rick Harman, Frank Edwards Co., West Valley City, Utah; Michelle MacKenzie-Menendez, MacKenzie Warehouse, San Francisco; and Randy Rusceak, Motown Automotive Distribution, Farmington Hills, Mich.
The AWDA is a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and is a national resource for distributors of parts and supplies to the auto care industry.