The Auto Care Association recently announced Ted Hughes as its new senior director of community engagement and AWDA executive director. Hughes will lead the association’s efforts to evolve community engagement among its members while also serving as the liaison between the association and its Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) community.
“I am very excited to have Ted on board,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Ted’s experience in the aftermarket as well as his communication and customer relation skills, made him a natural fit for this position. Our communities—especially AWDA, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary—are the backbone of the association and we are looking forward to further enhancing our community engagement for the betterment of the industry and the association.”
Hughes will work with members and prospective members in establishing engagement strategies while also strengthening the communities’ membership base and implementing community practices and policies to provide association members with maximum value, according to the association.
As executive director of AWDA, Hughes will provide guidance and primary administrative support for all AWDA-related organizational activities, including assistance in the engagement, growth and retention of this 600+ member community.
“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, it could not be more fitting than to have Ted as our executive director,” said Ryan Samuels, chair, AWDA and vice president, Buy Wise Auto Parts. “Our market and dynamics are changing, and we look forward to the new energy that Ted will bring to AWDA while helping to preserve our legacy.”
Hughes brings more than 20 years of aftermarket experience to the association, with his most recent role being the head of marketing for MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. He has served as the vice chair of the Auto Care Association’s Marketing Communications Committee since 2020 and the chair of the Marketing Executives Committee for AASA.
Learn more about the Auto Care Association’s member communities, including AWDA, at autocare.org.
