I-CAR announced the results of the election to fill four seats on its Board of Directors, as well as updates to its bylaws to eliminate ambiguity regarding collision repair industry representation on the board.
Election Results
After approval by I-CAR members, four representatives will serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors that began Aug. 27:
• Ryan Downs, chief strategy officer, Crash Champions, representing Collision Repair Segment (At-Large)
• Paul Krauss, executive vice president, Caliber Collision (incumbent), representing Collision Repair Segment (Large MSO)
• Laura Lozano, co-chair, Automotive Services Department, Contra Costa College, representing Education Segment
• Ed Mondragon, P&C claims director, State Farm Insurance, representing Insurance Segment
“Being elected to the I CAR Board feels like a culmination of everything collision repair programs stands for: hands-on learning, industry partnership, and supporting student success,” Lozano told Autobody News. “I’m honored to bring the Educator and Student voices to such a vital table.”
Jennifer Goforth, chair of the I-CAR Board of Directors, welcomed the new members and thanked three outgoing members for their service:
• Chris Evans, State Farm Insurance
• Dean Fisher, Driven Brands
• Patrick Hart, New York Automotive & Diesel Institute
Bylaws Update
After concerns were raised this summer about independent collision shop owners’ representation on the board, Goforth detailed a bylaws update — also approved by an I-CAR regular member vote — to reinforce the intent that the Collision Repair segment is represented exclusively by people who own or operate a collision repair facility.
I-CAR’s Board of Directors includes four representatives from the Collision Repair segment; three each from the OEM and Insurance segments; one each from the Education, Equipment Tool and Supply, and Related Industry Services segments; and up to four hybrid members that can be appointed to provide subject matter expertise on as-needed basis.
The following bylaw language classifies the Collision Repair and Related Industry Services board seats:
Collision Repair Segment Seats Criteria
• Independent repair shop seat (single shop)
• Multi-shop operator (MSO) seat (2-199 shops)
• Large MSO seat (200 or more shops)
• Open collision repairer seat for three specified categories (includes franchise operators)
Related Industry Services Segment Seat Criteria
• Service providers of information systems related to collision repair
• Rental car companies that provide services to the collision repair industry
• Data service providers that offer solutions pertinent to collision repair operations
• Operations or financial consulting firms specializing in collision repair
• Third-party service providers that deliver services to the collision repair industry
John Melendez, owner of JDM Collision in suburban Chicago and longtime I-CAR Northwest Indiana Committee chair, who sent I-CAR a letter voicing concerns on behalf on the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois (AASPI), said the bylaw update is “a step in the right direction, making sure Collision Repair seats remain with facility owners and operators.”
“While the recent election brought in respected leaders from large MSOs, it’s critical that single-shop operators also have a strong seat at the table,” Melendez told Autobody News. “As an independent operator myself, I see firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing shops like ours. Balancing the voices of both independents and MSOs will keep our industry moving forward in a way that benefits everyone.”
The Governance section of I-CAR.com has been updated with detailed information about the Board of Directors, leadership team, membership and industry councils.
“It is now clearer and easier to see the opportunities available, and qualifications required, for anyone who is interested in lending their voice, time, and talent to help shape the future,” Goforth said.
Goforth thanked I-CAR’s members and the broader industry for their “ongoing feedback and dedication to supporting I-CAR in realizing its vision to serve every collision repair organization and professional.”
“Every voice is heard and thoughtfully considered in every decision we make, and we are committed to keeping the industry informed,” Goforth said. “Our progress is only possible because of the unity across the industry’s six segments. I’m confident that ongoing dialogue, and forthcoming collaboration will enable us to stay grounded in our purpose and continue to move forward together.”
