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The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, named its 2026 officers and governors following a unanimous vote. The

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board will shape priorities for warehouse distributors across the independent aftermarket, including supplier partnerships and distribution strategy.

AWDA Governance Role and Responsibilities

AWDA’s board of governors represents independent warehouse distributors and works with the Auto Care Association on policy, education and conference programming. The board supports initiatives affecting aftermarket distribution, supply chain performance and channel collaboration.

2026 AWDA Officers Announced

Chair: Fletcher Lord III, president and CEO, Parts Warehouse Inc.

Vice Chair: Young Suhr, executive vice president, APW Knox Seeman Warehouse

Immediate Past Chair: Ashlee Arnold, vice president, Arnold Oil Company of Austin

Governors at Large Elected to Three-Year Terms

Paul Agather, president and CEO, Automotive Jobbers Supply

Chase Baxley, chief operating officer, Car Parts Warehouse

Jerry Bender, vice president, Midwest Wheel Companies

Todd Heldt, executive vice president, Factory Motor Parts

Clifford Hovis Jr., regional manager and T & E purchaser

Eric Schwartz, chief operating officer, Parts Authority

Trevor Tennant, president and CEO, Piston Ring Service Supply

“The AWDA Nominating Committee has done a fantastic job of finding a selection of leaders from within the independent distribution side of the aftermarket that has both achieved success and highlights a massive potential for growth,” said Ted Hughes, executive director, AWDA. “These trailblazers cross generations and continue the AWDA Board of Governors legacy of serving as a true reflection of leadership in distribution, and I am proud to work with them.”

“The strides that

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has taken recently both as an association and conference presenter have come a long way the last several years,” said incoming AWDA Chair Fletcher Lord III. “I look forward to working with all of these independent distributor leaders to leverage this momentum into actionable progress for the entire independent distribution segment, including for our valued channel partners.”

AWDA Board Focuses on Industry Support

In the coming year, the AWDA board will support warehouse distributors within the Auto Care Association and the aftermarket industry. AWDA will continue to support industry education through donations to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.

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