LEESBURG, Va. — Donna Wagner has been named assistant vice president of the ASE Education Foundation, a role that will have her working closely with the foundation's field managers, industry partners, state and national educators and career and technical education organizations to help meet the foundation's goals.
Wagner first joined the ASE Education Foundation as Great Lakes field manager, helping high school and college automotive, truck and collision programs earn ASE accreditation and connect with the transportation industry.
"Donna has a distinguished 30-year career in the transportation industry. Her insight and expertise will benefit the ASE Education Foundation as we strive to increase the diversity of the talent pool entering the automotive workforce," Mike Coley, foundation president, said.
"Donna's background will also be an asset in helping us address the technician shortage and connecting people and organizations together to further advance the mission of the ASE Education Foundation."
Wagner previously was a professor and department chair of the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University. Her industry experience includes positions in sales, marketing, category management and education at a variety of industry suppliers including Tenneco Inc., Wells Vehicle Electronics, Dana Corp., Sherwin Williams and AP Parts Emissions Technologies.
Wagner's career began at the Car Care Council where she worked her way up to president of that organization. During her tenure, she launched the women's board (now Women in Auto Care) to give women a place to network and encourage their interest in automotive careers.
Wagner is active in the industry and has served in a variety of volunteer positions with organizations including the SEMA PRO select committee, Auto Care Association board of directors, Auto Care Association marketing and education committees, Category Management Association, Higher Education Council, Automotive Public Relations Council and the Automotive Training Managers Council.
Wagner also is a recognized industry speaker and has spoken at numerous functions — including SEMA, Women in Automotive, AASA Global Summit, Women in Auto Care, PERA, Automotive Sales Council, the Category Management Association Conference and the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium — on topics such as recruiting and hiring younger generations, aftermarket career paths and global business shifts.
Wagner holds a Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designation as well as an MBA in marketing and a bachelor of science degree in computer science.
