SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — TechForce Foundation and America's Automotive Trust are forming a strategic alliance that unites the non-profit organizations under the leadership of CEO Jennifer Maher.
The new alliance focuses on complementary missions and programs that promote mobility and inspire future generations of students to consider a career path in automotive technology, the organizations said.
Scottsdale-based TechForce annually distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants to students pursuing technical education and careers as professional transportation technicians. The foundation also sponsors FutureTech Success, an industrywide initiative to encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession.
America's Automotive Trust (AAT), headquartered in Tacoma, Wash., is a not-for-profit corporation that seeks to preserve America's automotive heritage and transfer the skills and knowledge necessary for the future of collector vehicles.
The AAT is made up of four founding members: LeMay - America's Car Museum, RPM Foundation, Club Auto and Concours Club.
"The alliance between America's Automotive Trust and TechForce underscores both organizations' commitment to being as efficient as possible while making the largest contribution we can in furthering our respective goals," TechForce Chairman Warren DeBardelaben said.
"Bringing these two groups together leads to a stronger collaborative impact on the auto industry, the culture and celebration of the car culture – and to our collective ability to provide career paths in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, motorsports and restoration industry."
"Working synergistically allows both of our organizations to make a greater impact on the automotive industry as a whole, whether that's new or vintage automobiles," AAT Chairman Corry McFarland said.
Ms. Maher will serve as the dually-appointed CEO of the entities.
"The strategic alliance is designed to achieve three primary objectives — unite complementary goals under a single unified vision, streamline cost efficiencies and concentrate those efficiencies on providing a greater impact on the missions set forth by TechForce and America's Automotive Trust," Ms. Maher said.
She said the alliance shares the common vision of being "the" anchor point for those already in the industry — enthusiasts/collectors, technicians and other workforce professionals — while nurturing and developing interest for a next generation of participants.
"Through such collaboration, our alliance can effectively balance celebrating automotive history with an exciting future that includes automation, electrification and other new technologies and services," Ms. Maher said.
She assumed her new post as CEO of the AAT on Aug. 1, following the retirement of David Madeira who spent 17 years with the organization. Mr. Madeira remains vice chairman of the AAT's board of directors and now also serves on TechForce's board of directors. Likewise, Barry Fodor, a director of TechForce Foundation, has joined the AAT's board of directors.
"Kids no longer tinker in the garage," Ms Maher said. "They're less likely to get their driver's license when they turn 16; and they view the car more as a vessel to get from here to there than as an extension of their personality or their 'freedom' like other generations did.
"Couple this with the generalization that a four-year degree is the only road to success, and we've drastically reduced our skilled trade workforce. This deficit is what this new collaboration will attempt to influence by ensuring a future workforce that keeps America rolling."