STAUNTON, Va. — Federated Auto Parts has promoted Larry Pavey and Sue Godschalk — president and vice president, respectively — to CEO and president, moves that are linked to the year-end 2019 retirement of longtime CEO Rusty Bishop.
"Sue Godschalk has a long history of contributing to the success of Federated Auto Parts, from creating and managing processes and controls to providing valuable financial insight and management guidance," Mr. Pavey said.
"Sue has established tremendous trust with our members and is committed to continuous improvement in everything we do. She is the ideal person to take on the role of president of Federated. Her experience and leadership skills will provide a strong foundation for continued success well into the future."
During her 34-year career at Federated, Ms. Godschalk has held a number of management and financial roles, including office manager, assistant general manager, treasurer and most recently, vice president of the group.
Early in her career, she worked as a jobber store manager, learning the business from the ground up before joining Federated soon after it was formed.
"I consider myself fortunate to have seen the growth of Federated firsthand throughout the years and to be able to work closely with such fine members, supplier partners and the great team at Federated headquarters," she said.
"I am excited about this wonderful opportunity and look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of Federated and its membership."
Mr. Pavey has been president of the Staunton-based company — considered one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in North America — since 2006. Prior to that he was president Dana Corp.'s Under Vehicle Group.
Mr. Bishop is a co-founder of Federated Auto Parts Distributors and has been the group's CEO since its founding in 1985. He began his career in the automotive aftermarket more than 50 years ago with Fisher Auto Parts in Staunton, working in warehouse and jobber store management.
In addition to his long tenure with Federated Auto Parts, Mr. Bishop's service to the aftermarket industry includes: Automotive Service Industry Association board of directors of 1991-93; Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association board of governors 2000-03 and 2005-11 and chairman in 2009.
He also chaired the University of the Aftermarket Foundation from 2010-14 and in 2017, during which he led an effort to increase donations, grants and scholarships.
Among his industry honors: Northwood University's 2008 Automotive Aftermarket Management Educational Award; AAIA's 2010 Industry Advocate Award; Counterman Magazine's 2010 "Top Ten Automotive Aftermarket Industry Influencers Award"; and Aftermarket Business News "Top 10 News Makers of the Year Award" in 2010 and 2013.