CREF opens national search for executive director
For more than 35 years, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) has helped build the future workforce of the collision repair industry. Founded in 1991, CREF has evolved into a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting students, schools, educators, and employers across the United States.
The Board seeks a strategic and forward-looking leader who will translate CREF’s vision into measurable results while strengthening fundraising capacity, organizational accountability, technology and systems, impact measurement, and industry visibility. Key opportunities include expanding awareness of collision repair careers, increasing donor and volunteer engagement, strengthening relationships with educational institutions, and maximizing the potential of the Donation Exchange platform.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the executive director will provide strategic, organizational, financial, and external leadership for CREF. This executive will work closely with the Board and staff to advance long-range goals, develop and implement fundraising strategies, oversee budgets and operations, strengthen donor and volunteer management systems, and ensure accountability to supporters and stakeholders.
As CREF’s chief ambassador, the executive director will cultivate relationships with employers, educational institutions, donors, industry leaders, and philanthropic partners while building awareness of CREF’s mission and impact.
CREF says the ideal candidate will be a dynamic and visionary executive who combines strategic judgment with a genuine commitment to developing people and strengthening organizations. Strong candidates will bring executive-level leadership experience in nonprofit management, philanthropy, workforce development, education, associations, collision repair, or another relevant field.
They will have demonstrated strengths in fundraising, financial oversight, board relations, team leadership, partnership development, and organizational change. Approachable, emotionally intelligent, and accountable, this leader will be an effective communicator and thoughtful listener who can align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision for growth and impact, says CREF.
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public policy, or a related field is required, and a master’s degree is preferred. The successful candidate will have seven to 10 years of progressive management experience. Continuing education or professional credentials, such as the Certified Fund Raising Executive designation, are highly desired.
CREF offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. The salary range is $170,000 to $200,000, commensurate with experience, along with eligibility for a Board-designated performance-based bonus of up to 50 percent. Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC.
To apply, please send a current resume and letter of introduction to https://kittlemansearch.com/opportunities/executive-director-collision-repair-education-foundation. For best consideration, applicants should submit a current resume and cover letter by November 30, 2026. See also the CREF – Executive Director Position Guide.
CCC adds Calibration Guidelines to CCC ONE
CCC Intelligent Solutions announced Calibration Guidelines on Oct. 20. The new feature puts advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration recommendations from outside providers inside the estimating workflows repairers and insurers already use.
According to CCC, the recommendations come from providers of calibration and diagnostic services and draw on what automakers require for repairs and calibrations. Current participants include asTech, through adasThink; Azimuth; Opus, through ADAS Map Pro; Kinetic; and Revv.
CCC is offering the capability to every CCC ONE user without an added CCC charge. CCC ONE customers that have a contract with one of the participating providers can pull up recommendations with the Diagnostics button in CCC ONE. Insurers using Advanced or Intelligent Estimating in APEX also have access.
“The growing complexity of today’s vehicles is raising the stakes for every participant in the repair ecosystem,” said Dan Risley, vice president of CCC’s Automotive Services Group.
Crash Champions Joins GEICO and National Auto Body Council to Provide Reliable Transportation to Phoenix Families
Crash Champions partnered with GEICO and the National Auto Body Council (NABC)® to present a refurbished vehicle to a Phoenix-area mother of three through the NABC Recycled Rides® program.
The presentation took place during the Family Promise National Conference at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, where Linda Walker received a 2020 Hyundai Veloster donated by GEICO and refurbished by team members at Crash Champions' Thunderbird repair center. Walker was nominated by Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, an organization dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence.
“Linda has shown tremendous strength and determination in creating a better future for her family, and we're proud to support her as she takes this next step,” said Matt Ebert, Founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “Our Thunderbird team members put their skills and dedication toward something that will make a lasting difference, and we're grateful to GEICO, the National Auto Body Council, and Family Promise for helping make this possible.”
AASP/NJ opens exhibitor sign-ups for 50th NORTHEAST show
Booth space is now available for the 50th NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) announced Oct. 19. The show will run March 19-21, 2027, at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.
AASP/NJ bills NORTHEAST as the largest event of its type serving the automotive service and collision repair trades, and second only to SEMA nationally. The 2027 floor will hold more than 100 exhibitors from across automotive repair.
Education is expanding for both collision and mechanical repairers. New offerings include full-day mechanical sessions, additional service-sector classes, and courses taught in Spanish
These sit alongside the show’s existing collision curriculum.
The fifth annual Bodywork Bowl will return, with participants competing in estimating, painting, and welding contests on the exhibit floor. Each attendee will also be automatically entered to win prizes in drawings, NORTHEAST Dollars among them.
Exhibitors can reserve space under Exhibitor Info on the show website.
Fix Auto Washington sponsors Hoodfest car show at Dixie Tech
Fix Auto Washington in Washington, Utah, sponsored the eighth annual Hoodfest Car Show on Oct. 10. The show was held at Dixie Technical College in St. George. The event draws car enthusiasts and helps build backing for Dixie Tech students.
Owner Dakota Lourenco’s team ran a booth where visitors could meet people who work in collision repair, play a “Guess the Repair Cost” game, and pick up giveaways, including Matchbox cars
“Events like Hoodfest provide a great opportunity to connect with the community while supporting the next generation of skilled trades professionals,” Lourenco said.
Damien Reyna, chief operating officer of Driven Brands Collision Group, said the shop’s involvement helped students who are looking at trade careers.
Lisa McArdle