ACA makes staff moves in restructuring

BETHESDA, Md. (March 6, 2017) — The Auto Care Association (ACA) is making several key staff changes as part of an overall restructuring plan to strategically align association resources with changing member and industry needs.

• Rich White, senior vice president, will retire June 30 after serving in a variety of positions over the last 18 years, the ACA said. Mr. White oversees marketing and communications, market research, member services, trade shows and education, and serves as executive director of the Car Care Council.

"Rich has played a critical role in the success of the association during his tenure," said Bill Hanvey, ACA president and CEO.

"He is probably best known for being the architect of the highly successful association rebranding initiative and spearheading the creation of the 'Be Car Care Aware' consumer education campaign. Rich's experience and institutional knowledge will help facilitate a smooth transition over the next few months to our new organizational realignment. He will continue directing the Car Care Council as a consultant."

• Behzad Rassuli has been promoted to senior vice president, strategic development, to oversee the market intelligence, member services, business development, marketing, communications and community engagement functional groups of the association.

"This restructuring strategy will enable much greater efficiency across our key member-facing channels by integrating related functional areas and will strengthen our ability to meet and exceed the association's goals," said Mr. Hanvey.

"Behzad's unique strategic and analytical skills and experience are critical to leading the robust realignment, and to executing the association's long-term vision."

• Larry Northup will be senior director in charge of the new community engagement department. The department's purpose is to increase volunteer engagement, add value for volunteer leaders and increase community effectiveness to best support the association's long-term vision. Mr. Northup also will continue to serve as executive director of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).

Bethesda-based ACA has nearly 3,000 member companies that represent some 150,000 independent automotive businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies, and perform vehicle service and repair.

For more information, visit www.autocare.org.