LEESBURG, Va. — The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has selected Mark Polke of Robert Bosch L.L.C. as its chairman for 2021, succeeding Bobby Bassett, the recently retired Gates Corp. executive.
Mr. Polke is director of Bosch Workshop Concepts, North America. Mr. Bassett will remain on the board of directors as past chair.
Other officers selected for 2021 include:
- Brad Pellman, president, Pellman's Automotive, vice chairman;
- Homer Hogg, director, technical services, Travel Centers of America, treasurer; and
- Brian Szalk, vice president, planner, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, secretary.
"Our leadership board is instrumental in helping ASE continue to provide exceptional service to our industry and they help us provide high-quality certification programs that automotive professionals can use to show their expertise and knowledge," ASE President and CEO Tim Zilke said.
"With the continued commitment of this all-volunteer board and the ongoing support from their companies, ASE will continue to set the standard for quality and excellence in industry certification."
Additional board members are: John Hanighen, Cloyes Manufacturing; Ted Hayes, Hayes Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep; Mark Miller, GM Global Technical Center; Tom Palermo, Preferred Automotive Specialists; Jason Rainey, NAPA/AAA; Tom Trisdale, Toyota Motor Sales; Jeff Walker, Walker's Automotive Service; John Wolf, Snap-on Business Solutions; and Mr. Zilke.
The members of the ASE board of governors are: Audra Acevedo, Dan's Automotive Center; Karen Allison, Breeden Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep; Tejpal Singh Gill; David Johnson, Ford Motor Co.; David Kegley, Ryder System Inc.; Fern Larochelle, Fern's Body Shop; Kevin Looney, Kevin's Diesel Service; Mike Mallett, Daimler Trucks North America; Brad Marshall, Bridgestone Retail Operations; Paul Mathias, Nissan North America; Rich Merchant, Advance Auto Sales; Roger Mesiemore, Hendrick Automotive Group; Kenny Rogers, TBC; Joshua Stone, American Honda; and Dan Vespertino, Subaru.
Mr. Bassett was honored recently with the Art Fisher Excellence in Education Award from the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).
"Bobby has a long history of volunteering his time and expertise as an advocate for training and education in the automotive industry. He is a well-known figure to high school and community college automotive programs across the country," Mr. Zilke said.
"We have been very fortunate to have this highly respected industry professional lead the ASE board of directors, especially during such an unprecedented time. We thank him for his service and the great impact he has made throughout the entire ASE organization."
The AWDA's Excellence in Education Award is presented to an aftermarket company or individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training, either within their organization or throughout the industry. Given in memory of former AWDA chairman Art Fisher, the award grants scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University.
Mr. Bassett's aftermarket career stretches back to 1978. He spent 22 years overseeing customer training in both the automotive and heavy-duty markets for Gates.